South Carolina Lawmakers Propose Immigration Ban Targeting Specific Nations
Lawmakers in South Carolina are pushing for a permanent ban on immigrants from a list of predominantly Black and Brown countries, a controversial move that has drawn opposition from various nations, including Antigua and Barbuda.
In a letter addressing Republican Representative Nancy Mace, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States, Ronald Sanders, expressed concern over the targeting of his nation in the proposed immigration policy. He emphasized the importance of Congress members’ rights to propose laws but argued that any measures involving friendly nations should be grounded in accurate information and objective facts.
Mace introduced the contentious bill on Wednesday, labeling it the “Third World Immigration Suspension Act.” The legislation would bar citizens from 39 countries from entering the U.S., although it does allow exceptions for lawful permanent residents and dual citizens from non-designated nations. Under this bill, the Secretary of Homeland Security would retain the discretionary authority to grant waivers on a case-by-case basis if deemed vital for national interests.
The list of countries affected includes five from the Western Hemisphere: Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Haiti, and Venezuela, along with nations across Africa and the Middle East. Notably, individuals with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority would also be prohibited from entry.
Mace’s bill has drawn parallels to former President Trump’s travel bans, which aimed to restrict entry from certain foreign nationals to enhance national security. In her statement, Mace asserted, “We are not a dumping ground for Third World problems,” indicating her intent to position the legislation as a means to safeguard American interests.
In promoting her bill, Mace shared a controversial image on social media, claiming, “If you import the Third World, you become the Third World.” This rhetoric reflects her stance as she enters the final months of her congressional term after an unsuccessful bid for the South Carolina governorship earlier this year.
Ambassador Highlights Mischaracterizations of Antigua and Barbuda
Ambassador Sanders took issue not only with his nation’s inclusion in the bill but also with the Trump administration’s portrayal of Antigua and Barbuda during the imposition of a partial travel ban. He pointed out multiple factual inaccuracies in the administration’s claims, including a mischaracterization that erroneously depicted Antigua and Barbuda as two separate entities.
Furthermore, he criticized the portrayal of the country’s citizenship-by-investment program, which has been inaccurately described in relation to the travel restrictions. Sanders clarified that Antigua and Barbuda has always required a residency condition for this citizenship pathway, contradicting assertions made by U.S. officials.
Sanders also rejected the label of “Third World,” arguing that Antigua and Barbuda is not akin to nations undergoing armed conflict or extreme economic instability. Recently recognized by the World Bank for its relatively high national income, the country boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the Caribbean.
Describing Antigua and Barbuda as a stable parliamentary democracy that upholds the rule of law, Sanders emphasized the robust relationship between his nation and the United States. He noted that many U.S. citizens travel visa-free to Antigua and Barbuda and have established homes and businesses there, fostering a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership.
Lastly, Sanders assured that no citizen of Antigua and Barbuda has ever sought refugee status in the U.S., and that visa overstays from his country are traditionally low, showcasing a commitment to cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities in managing lawful returns.
