The U.S. has reached an agreement with Dominica to potentially transfer asylum seekers to the Caribbean nation, following similar arrangements with Belize and Paraguay.
The United States has reportedly reached an agreement with the Commonwealth of Dominica that may allow for the transfer of certain asylum seekers arriving at the U.S. border to the Caribbean nation. This development follows similar pacts established with Belize and Paraguay.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the agreement as “one of the primary areas of collaboration” between the two governments. This comes in the wake of recent U.S. entry restrictions imposed on Dominican nationals. Skerrit noted that he has been engaged in ongoing discussions with U.S. officials since the White House announced partial visa limitations on December 16. However, he did not disclose specific details regarding the number of asylum seekers that could be sent to Dominica or when such transfers might commence.
In his remarks, Skerrit emphasized the importance of ensuring that Dominica does not receive individuals who could pose a threat to public safety. He stated that his discussions with U.S. authorities have included “careful deliberations of the need to avoid receiving violent individuals or individuals who will compromise the security of Dominica.”
The government of Dominica continues to address the broader context of U.S. travel restrictions. It has expressed its commitment to engaging with the United States Embassy in Bridgetown and the State Department in Washington in an effort to reverse the decision to impose partial travel restrictions on Dominican nationals, which are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
In a clarification, the government noted that U.S. authorities have indicated that Dominican nationals who hold valid U.S. visas—including those for tourism, business, and education—will still be able to travel to the U.S. and its territories as per standard immigration laws. This announcement reassures that lawful travel will continue under existing regulations.
According to reports, the agreement with Dominica aligns with broader U.S. efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration to encourage other nations to share the responsibility for handling asylum seekers.
However, some members of Dominica’s political opposition are expressing concerns and seeking clarity on the agreement. Thomson Fontaine, the leader of the main opposition party, stated that “the prime minister still has not told the Dominican public what exactly he has agreed to, in terms of the numbers of persons that are going to come to Dominica, where will they be housed, how will they be taken care of.”
With a population of approximately 72,000, there are growing concerns about whether Dominica has adequate resources to accommodate an influx of asylum seekers. Fontaine’s remarks reflect a broader unease among the public regarding the implications of this agreement.
While discussions continue, officials have yet to provide detailed information about the timeline for the implementation of this plan or how it will be executed.
According to The Associated Press, the situation remains fluid as both governments navigate the complexities of this agreement.