Greene Confirms Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement With U.S. Over Visa Changes

Diplomatic Talks Continue

Greene confirmed that diplomatic engagement with the United States is ongoing.
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene shared the update on Monday.

Speaking on Government in Motion, Greene addressed recent U.S. visa changes.
He said the government remains actively engaged with U.S. officials.

Earlier that day, Greene met senior representatives from the U.S. Embassy.
Specifically, the meeting involved officials from the Bridgetown embassy.

In addition, Greene said further talks are expected soon.
These discussions will include Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

“The government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to engage the U.S. government,” Greene said.

Status of Existing Visas

Importantly, Greene clarified the status of current visas.
He said existing U.S. visas remain valid.

Therefore, Antiguans and Barbudans with visas remain unaffected.
The recent changes do not cancel existing approvals.

However, Greene explained that first-time applicants face delays.
These applicants must wait while systems align.

Specifically, Antigua and Barbuda must update biometric processes.
Those systems must align with U.S. requirements.

Greene said the government has an outside period of 90 days.
During that time, officials will work with U.S. authorities.

However, he issued a clear caution.
The 90-day period does not guarantee reopening.

“Ninety days does not equate to automatic opening,” Greene said.

Sovereignty and Travel Reality

Meanwhile, Greene stressed U.S. sovereignty over immigration policy.
He reminded the public that visas are privileges.

“A visa is not a right,” Greene said.
He emphasized that issuing countries make final decisions.

At the same time, the government continues advocacy efforts.
Officials have outlined why Antiguans travel to the United States.

Greene cited education as one reason.
He also mentioned medical care.

Additionally, he listed business and commercial travel.
Family connections, he said, remain significant.

“Every Antiguan family has somebody in the States,” Greene said.

Call for Calm and Confidence

Furthermore, Greene urged the public to remain calm.
He also discouraged politicising the issue.

He noted similar measures affect many countries worldwide.
Dozens of nations face comparable changes.

“This is entirely a U.S. call,” Greene said.
He described it as a foreign policy posture shift.

Despite this, Greene expressed confidence in ongoing diplomacy.
He praised staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He also expressed confidence in Prime Minister Browne’s leadership.
Greene said the Prime Minister leads the engagement.

Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda’s mission in Washington remains active.
The government will continue talks during the 90-day period.

Reflecting on earlier remarks, Greene remained measured.
“This too shall pass,” he said.

Either way, he added, the country will adapt.

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