Full Breakdown
U.S. Officials Raise Concerns Over "Golden Visa" Programs Amid Security Risks
1/10/2026, 7:11:20 AM
Overview of the "Golden Visa" Programs
"Golden" visas, or citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, have gained popularity among wealthy individuals seeking second citizenship as a safeguard against global uncertainties. These programs allow individuals from various countries to obtain new passports, potentially enabling them to bypass U.S. travel and financial restrictions. U.S. officials have expressed alarm over these programs, citing security risks associated with relaxed residency and screening requirements.
U.S. Government Actions
In response to these concerns, President Donald Trump reinstated an executive order and a proclamation on December 16 aimed at restricting the entry of foreign nationals to protect U.S. security. The proclamation specifically mentions countries like Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, which have CBI programs that could allow individuals from restricted nations to acquire passports and subsequently apply for U.S. visas, thereby evading existing travel bans. U.S. law enforcement and the Department of State have noted that CBI programs can facilitate identity concealment and circumvent financial regulations.
Details of the CBI Programs
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in Antigua and Barbuda oversees applications for its CBI program, which requires applicants to be physically present in the country for only five days within the first five years after citizenship is granted. Holders of these "golden passports" gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including those in the Schengen Area. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda offers tax benefits, such as the absence of personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, with citizenship granted for life.
Criticism and Defense of CBI Programs
Critics argue that CBI programs pose significant security risks, as evidenced by a 2023 investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which revealed that 7,700 individuals, including figures linked to war crimes in Russia and Iran, obtained Dominican citizenship. In contrast, Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit defended his country's CBI program, stating that comprehensive legislative reforms were enacted to enhance background checks and financial transparency. He emphasized Dominica's commitment to cooperation with the United States on security matters.
Mo Bennis, an associate vice president at Arton Capital, expressed surprise at Antigua's inclusion in the list of concerning countries, noting that the nation has significantly improved its due diligence and applicant vetting processes. He suggested that the U.S. concerns reflect evolving border control policies rather than deficiencies in Antigua's standards.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding "golden visa" programs highlights the tension between economic opportunities for countries offering citizenship through investment and the potential security risks posed by such programs. As U.S. officials continue to scrutinize these initiatives, the implications for international relations and security cooperation remain significant.
