Caribbean Nations Added to Proposed U.S. Immigration Ban as Jamaica Avoids List

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has notably avoided being included in a proposed U.S. immigration bill that would bar nationals from dozens of countries from entering the United States. However, two Caribbean neighbours—Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—have found themselves on the list, raising questions across the region.

On July 15, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Third World Immigration Moratorium Act, legislation that would prohibit the entry of foreign nationals from nearly 40 countries that she argues have failed to cooperate with U.S. immigration enforcement or pose national security concerns.

Among the countries named are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and several others.

In announcing the bill, Mace said:

“The American people are done playing games and so are we. If you import the third world, you will become the third world.”

The proposed legislation largely mirrors President Donald Trump’s recent immigration proclamation restricting entry from a number of countries.

Why Were Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica Included?

The inclusion of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica has surprised many observers, as both countries are generally regarded as among the safest destinations in the Caribbean.

The U.S. Department of State currently assigns both nations a Level 1 Travel Advisory – Exercise Normal Precautions, its lowest advisory level, with violent crime considered relatively uncommon.

However, both countries entered into agreements with the United States earlier this year to accept certain third-country asylum seekers who could not immediately be returned to their countries of origin.

According to government announcements:

• Antigua and Barbuda signed a preliminary non-binding agreement in December 2025 before finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Washington in early January 2026.
• Dominica announced its agreement with the United States on January 6, 2026, to receive third-country asylum seekers under a similar arrangement.

The agreements came after both countries faced U.S. visa and travel restrictions and were viewed as part of broader negotiations with Washington.

Jamaica Not Included

Jamaica does not appear on the list of countries targeted by the proposed legislation.

Earlier this year, Jamaica also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States concerning the temporary transit of certain third-country nationals. However, the Jamaican government has repeatedly stated that the arrangement is voluntary, non-binding, fully funded by the United States, excludes individuals with criminal backgrounds, and does not grant permanent residency in Jamaica.

Whether those differences influenced Jamaica’s exclusion from the proposed legislation remains unclear.

Bill Faces Long Road

The Third World Immigration Moratorium Act has only been introduced in Congress and has not become law.

If enacted, it would prohibit entry into the United States for nationals from the designated countries, while preserving exceptions for lawful permanent residents, diplomats, certain athletes participating in international sporting events, special immigrant visa holders, and individuals qualifying for humanitarian or national-interest waivers.

The proposal would also require the U.S. government to review the list every 180 days and recommend whether countries should remain on it, be removed, or whether additional countries should be added.