‘No clarity’ on why Jamaica was placed on US visa pause list

Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, says the island has been in dialogue with the United States regarding its decision to include Jamaica on a list of 75 countries for which America has halted the processing of immigrant visas.

Johnson Smith described the move by the U.S. government as surprising, arguing that Jamaicans living in the United States are among those who are productive members of US society.

“There has been no clarity on the basis for which Jamaica was placed on that list. In fact, the general sentiment is one of surprise,” she told a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

In announcing the move, the US said it decided to suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Jamaica, whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States. The suspension, which started in January, applies to applicants seeking immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas.

“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the US Department of State said in a statement at the time.

Jamaica’s foreign affairs minister indicated that, based on discussions, Jamaica was advised by the US that the decision forms part of a broad review of immigration processes and, as such, the immigrant visa system for selected countries was paused.

Johnson Smith said Jamaica continues to engage with the US on the matter.

“We continue to remain engaged and open to providing any information that’s requested. But generally, there’s been a sense of openness to engagement and recognition that Jamaicans are productive members of the diaspora community, and we continue to leverage that in the discussions that we hold.”