Barbadian officials and citizens have been put on notice by the Donald Trump administration that firm legal action will be taken against them for breaching United States immigration laws, in a sharp message by the US envoy here, that met this advice to would-be travellers from the foreign minister: it’s not worth it; there are other fine places in the world to visit.
Residents could be jailed, fined, or banned from returning to the US for lying on their visa applications, overstaying their visit, or working illegally, said Karin Sullivan, chargé d’affaires of the US Embassy for Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
In an immediate response, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds advised Barbadians that the risk of deportation or jail time, or both, is “simply” not worth it, especially when there are nearly 200 countries in the world, many of which are more welcoming and socially and economically satisfying than the US
Sullivan said: “To make America safe, strong and prosperous, President [Donald] Trump is ensuring that US immigration laws are followed. If you try to enter the United States illegally, lie or withhold information to get a visa, work without legal permission, or stay in the United States after your visa or visa waiver period expires, you will face serious penalties.
“These include,” she added, “jail time, deportation, and a permanent ban on obtaining a US visa in the future. If you have family or friends who are in the United States illegally, now is the time to tell them to come home.”
She also warned that those who try to enter or remain illegally will be caught.
The chargé d’affaires pointed out that some people believe they could sneak into the United States and avoid being caught.
“This is not true. The Trump administration has strengthened border security and greatly increased the number of illegal aliens being arrested and deported,” the envoy said.
In February, illegal border crossings dropped 94 per cent when compared to February 2024, while arrests of illegal border crossers inside the United States increased by 627 per cent, she said.
“If you try to cross a US border, by land or by sea, or remain in the United States illegally, you will be caught, detained, and sent back. You may also be banned from ever returning or face fines and criminal charges,” Sullivan said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds. (FP)
She also notified immigrants that visa fraud has serious consequences, declaring that the American visa process is the most secure in the world.
Sullivan said: “Yet, some people unwisely still try to cheat the system by using fake documents, lying on applications, or staying after their visa expires. These are examples of visa fraud, and it is a serious crime. Every visa applicant is responsible for providing factual information on their application, during their interview, and at the port of entry.
“If you break United States law, you will be punished, and you may never be allowed to enter the United States again.”
The US official also warned that the journey to the American border is dangerous: “For those considering making the dangerous journey to illegally cross into the United States, understand that your safety – and even your life – are at risk. Criminal groups, cartels, and human traffickers target illegal migrants, subjecting them to violence, extortion, and assault. Many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination.”
The US State Department official said Washington was working with other countries in the Western Hemisphere to stop and return people trying to enter illegally before they even reach the US border.
“By securing our borders, we are not only protecting American citizens but also preventing the suffering caused by illegal immigration,” she declared.
The Trump administration was also taking action against those who help others enter the country illegally, she said. “This includes smugglers, human traffickers, and even foreign government officials who allow illegal immigration to continue.”
She noted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a new visa restriction policy for foreign officials – including immigration, customs, and port authority staff – who fail to help stop illegal immigration.
Sullivan added that this builds on similar existing restrictions for those in the transport and tourism industries. “Those who threaten US security by facilitating illegal immigration are not welcome in our country,” she insisted.
She issued this message to residents of Barbados and other Caribbean nations: “If you know someone who is in the United States illegally, the best thing you can do for them is encourage them to leave now before they are caught. For everyone, the message is simple: Make the right choice, follow the law, and do not risk your safety, your family, or your future”.
Foreign Minister Symmonds appealed to Barbadians to comply with the immigration laws if they must go to the US.
“It is strongly urged therefore, that all who are trying to beat the system, whether it be attempting to enter the US illegally, or lying, or misrepresenting information or withholding information in the hope of getting a visa, should avoid such practices,” he suggested.
“The same thing applies to anyone who attempts or has attempted to work without legal permission or to stay in the US after their visa or visa waiver period has expired.
The risk of deportation or jail time, or both, is simply not worth it.”
The foreign minister added: “The USA, like any other country, has a sole right and discretion to determine its immigration policy, and that right must be respected.
“Equally, let us not forget that we were once asked by the father of our independence what mirror image we as Barbadian people had of ourselves. That question remains perfectly valid today.
“There is no logical reason for any Barbadian to risk arrest, imprisonment, violence, injury, or death, simply in the hope of being able to hide indefinitely, with the aim of working in a menial task, without being discovered in a country where the cost of living is now higher than ours, opportunities are becoming increasingly less, and where on a daily basis you are being reminded how unwelcome you are.
“Equally, there are 195 countries in the world to visit, many of which offer a warm welcome, good value for money, and a wealth of cultural, recreational, educational, spiritual, and sporting experiences that are incredible. As we all know, there is a good old Bajan saying that is very relevant here: ‘Bet who bet you.’”
Symmonds pointed out that the spirit of the US government statement is “entirely” consistent with what Barbados understood the policy framework to be.
He said it seems clear to anyone who followed last year’s presidential campaign that the new administration is placing “tremendous” emphasis on the matter of illegal immigration and its impact on US society and economy.
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
The post US warns illegal immigration will result in jail, deportation appeared first on Barbados Today.
