CARIBBEAN ASYLUM DEALS STIR QUIET, BUT MISPLACED, EXPECTATIONS OVER FINANCIAL SCRUTINY FROM THE U.S.

Antigua & Barbuda, and Dominica, have confirmed agreements with the United States to accept asylum seekers transferred from U.S. borders,  as part of Washington's broader effort to manage illegal migration flows. A senior Caribbean diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity,  stated that some regional leaders believe that cooperation on asylum could reduce U.S. scrutiny of offshore wealth and financial structures, including assets linked to politically connected individuals (Politically Exposed Persons also known as PEPs). The wealth offshore, from Chinese corruption and illicit money from the Maduro  regime, is a major U.S. concern.

Some constituents in those countries have voiced objections, asserting that only those states' Parliaments have the legal authority to modify immigration laws, and that they fear the effect the arrival of a significant number non-English speaking deportees might have on their small states. 

No formal assurances from the U.S. were described, but the diplomat said that there is an expectation among some officials that enforcement pressure could ease. The diplomat also disclosed that other Caribbean states are in negotiation with Washington over similar arrangements. Legal and policy experts have concluded that such expectations are naive, and made by local leaders to pacify voters upset with the enactment of new visa entry into America restrictions, noting that  cooperation on migration does not constrain the authority of the U.S. Department of Justice and the US Department of the Treasury, whose actions are governed by statute, not diplomatic arrangements or agreements. Neither Caribbean governments have publicly linked the asylum deal to financial matters. 

In the meantime, the U.S. State Department has imposed a USD$15,000 visa bond fee on Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica, for visa applications, so things are not getting better for citizens of those countries.