ROSEAU, Dominica – The government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has formally written to the ppresident of the United States seeking clarification and urgent dialogue following the Proclamation issued on 16 December 2025, which announced partial restrictions on the entry of Dominican nationals into the United States.
Dominica respects the sovereign right of the United States to protect its national security and public safety and shares those objectives. However, the Government notes with concern that Dominica was included in the Proclamation despite extensive, ongoing cooperation with US authorities and the implementation of far-reaching reforms to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
Over the past several years, and particularly throughout 2024 and 2025, Dominica has worked closely with the United States through multiple channels, including the office of the prime minister, the ministry of foreign affairs, the embassy of Dominica in Washington, DC, and in coordination with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank on behalf of OECS member states. These engagements addressed all concerns raised by the United States regarding CBI operations.
On 14 October 2025, Dominica became the first OECS member state to enact comprehensive CBI legislative reforms, introducing enhanced residency requirements, stricter name-change controls, strengthened due diligence and background checks, increased financial transparency, and the establishment of an independent regulatory authority to ensure the programme operates at the highest international standards.
Given these reforms, the government of Dominica is seeking clarification on whether the measures already implemented satisfy the conditions referenced in the Proclamation, and if not, what additional actions may be required. The government has requested urgent engagement with US authorities, ideally before the 1 January 2026 implementation date, in keeping with the spirit of partnership and dialogue outlined in the Proclamation itself.
Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security and regional stability. The government reiterates that a threat to the United States is also a threat to Dominica and the wider Caribbean, and remains fully committed to cooperation, transparency, and shared security objectives.
The government of Dominica remains open to dialogue at all levels and looks forward to constructive engagement with the United States to resolve this matter in a manner that reflects the strength of the bilateral relationship and mutual respect between both nations.
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