U.S. Strikes Deal With Dominica to Host Some Asylum Seekers


January 06, 2026

Domininca has agreed to accept refugees from the U.S. to help lift visa restrictions imposed on the Island by the Trump Administration



The government of Dominica has confirmed a new agreement with the United States that would allow Washington to send certain asylum seekers to the island for processing — a move that places the small Caribbean nation inside a growing network of countries assisting the U.S. with migration management.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed the arrangement following recent high‑level talks with U.S. officials. He described asylum cooperation as “one of the primary areas of collaboration” under discussion, while stressing that Dominica would not be required to accept individuals considered violent or posing national‑security risks, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

The announcement comes as Dominica continues negotiations with Washington over partial U.S. visa restrictions imposed last year. Skerrit said the government is working to resolve those issues but did not provide details on when asylum transfers might begin or how many people the island could receive.13624-2784349.png (780 KB)

The deal mirrors a similar agreement recently confirmed by Antigua and Barbuda, which said it would accept some refugees who cannot be safely returned to their home countries. Both arrangements reflect a broader U.S. strategy of partnering with foreign governments to manage rising asylum claims and reduce pressure on its own immigration system.

U.S. authorities have not yet released specifics on implementation timelines, funding, or logistical support for Caribbean states participating in the programme.