U.S. Government Raises Security Concerns Over ‘Golden’ Visa Programs, Imposes Travel Restrictions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government has sounded alarms over the growing use of “golden” visa programs, citing significant security risks that have prompted new travel restrictions on certain Caribbean nations. These citizenship-by-investment (CBI) schemes, which allow wealthy individuals to obtain new passports with minimal residency requirements, are under increased scrutiny by federal officials concerned that they facilitate circumvention of U.S. travel and financial sanctions.
In a proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump reinstated an executive order targeting foreign nationals from countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions who exploit CBI programs in third countries to evade those bans. The announcement specifically named Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica as nations with relaxed screening and residency requirements that make them vulnerable to misuse.
“A foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase citizenship by investment from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport from that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country,” the proclamation stated. It further noted that U.S. law enforcement and the Department of State have historically found CBI programs susceptible to risks including identity concealment and circumvention of financial and banking restrictions.
These programs typically require only minimal physical presence — Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) mandates just five days of residency within the first five years after citizenship is granted. This leniency has made “golden passports” attractive to wealthy individuals seeking visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, while retaining their original nationality.
The U.S. travel ban on Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica reflects growing concerns about national security vulnerabilities tied to these schemes. According to the Department of State, such programs can be exploited by individuals from restricted countries to bypass sanctions and travel prohibitions.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has emphasized the challenges these programs pose to border security and immigration enforcement. Citizenship-by-investment programs often involve limited vetting and background checks, making it difficult to detect individuals who may pose security threats.
Antigua and Barbuda’s program also offers significant tax advantages, including no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, further increasing its appeal among global elites. However, U.S. officials argue that the benefits come with unacceptable risks.
The travel ban aligns with broader efforts by the U.S. government to tighten controls on foreign nationals from countries with high security risks. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection underscores the importance of robust screening mechanisms to prevent illicit travel and financial flows.
Experts warn that without stricter international cooperation and enhanced due diligence, citizenship-by-investment programs could undermine global security frameworks. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency continues to monitor these developments closely, coordinating with other federal entities to address potential vulnerabilities.
As “golden visas” remain popular among wealthy individuals seeking mobility and financial security amid global uncertainties, U.S. officials are signaling a clear message: these programs will not be allowed to compromise national security or circumvent lawful restrictions.
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