Government to Introduce Resolution on Principles Governing Any Possible Transfer of Non-Nationals from the United States

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will introduce in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, a Resolution setting out the principles that will govern any arrangement for the possible transfer to Antigua and Barbuda of third-country nationals removed from the United States of America.

The Resolution is intended to ensure that any conclusive engagement on this matter is conducted within a clear framework established in the national interest, with full regard to Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty, laws, security, absorptive capacity, administrative capability, and financial responsibilities.

In a step that reflects the Government’s commitment to openness and accountability, Antigua and Barbuda will become the first country to disclose in full both the terms proposed by the United States and the response of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. These documents make clear that no binding agreement exists and that no arrangement has been concluded, since no final agreement has been signed.

Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Gaston Browne said: “This Government believes that matters of such legal, humanitarian, financial and security importance must be handled openly and with respect for Parliament. By bringing the full proposal from the United States, and our response, before the House of Representatives, Antigua and Barbuda is demonstrating transparency and accountability, while maintaining our longstanding friendship and cooperation with the Government and people of the United States”.

The Government will also be the only administration, whether in the United States, the Caribbean, or elsewhere, to place this matter before its House of Representatives and Senate in a spirit of full transparency and democratic scrutiny.

The Resolution seeks to establish the principles and safeguards within which the Government may continue discussions, while preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s complete sovereign discretion to accept or refuse any proposed individual on a case-by-case basis.

Among the central principles set out in the Resolution are that Antigua and Barbuda will not accept any standing, automatic, or open-ended programme; that no predetermined number of persons may be transferred without the prior approval of the Government in each individual case, including on their criminal records, and that no transfer may occur unless all necessary legal, operational, financial, and administrative arrangements have first been agreed in writing.

The Resolution further makes clear that Antigua and Barbuda will require satisfactory arrangements concerning identity, documentation, accommodation, support, legal status, funding, security, and onward or return responsibility before any proposal can be considered.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda values its longstanding friendship and cooperation with the Government and people of the United States. At the same time, it has a constitutional responsibility to protect the interests of the people of Antigua and Barbuda and to ensure that no external proposal places an undue burden on the country’s institutions, resources, or social stability.

By placing the full matter before Parliament and the public, the Government is ensuring that national policy on an issue of considerable legal, humanitarian, financial, and security importance is approached with candour, responsibility, and respect for democratic oversight.