US asylum deal in Dominica could send foreigners to the Caribbean

The United States has reached an agreement with the Commonwealth of Dominica that could allow some asylum seekers arriving at the U.S. border to be transferred to the Caribbean country, according to a report from The Associated Press.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the agreement as “one of the key areas of collaboration” between the two governments following recent entry restrictions imposed on Dominican nationals by the United States.

Skerrit said he was in ongoing discussions with U.S. officials after the White House announced partial visa limitations announced Dec. 16, but declined to provide details on how many asylum seekers might be sent to Dominica or when transfers might begin.

Skerrit’s engagement with U.S. authorities led to what he called “careful deliberations on the need to avoid receiving violent individuals or individuals who might compromise the security of Dominica,” highlighting concerns about public safety.

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Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit faces opposition criticism over US asylum deal. (Commonwealth Government of Dominica)

The government of Dominica continues to publicly address the broader framework of U.S. travel restrictions, even going so far as to declare that it is “continuing action.” engagement with the US Embassy in Bridgetown and the Department of State in Washington…in an effort to reverse a decision announced by the White House to impose partial travel restrictions on Dominican nationals, effective January 1, 2026.”

The government later clarified that U.S. officials said that Dominican nationals with valid U.S. visas, including tourist, business, student and other visas, “may travel to the United States and its territories as is customary.” The announcement reaffirms that legal travel will continue within standard immigration laws.

The flag of Dominica is photographed against a clear sky. (Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

According to the AP, the deal reportedly indicated that, like similar pacts with countries like Belize and Paraguay, the agreement follows broader U.S. efforts under the president’s presidency. Donald TrumpThe US administration encourages other countries to share responsibility for asylum seekers.

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Some in Dominica’s political opposition say they are still waiting for answers. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the main opposition party, told the AP that “the prime minister still has not told the Dominican public what exactly he has agreed to, in terms of how many people will come to Dominica, where will they be housed, how will they be taken care of.”

A whale mural by Marcus Cuffi is pictured along a street in Roseau, Dominica, Sunday, November 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Clyde K Jno-Baptiste)

Dominica has a population of about 72,000 people, and the announcement leaves many concerned about whether the island has adequate resources to absorb asylum seekers, according to Fontaine.

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Talks are still ongoing, but officials have said little so far about when the plan would start or how it would be implemented.