No Bajans caught in US deportation web, says foreign minister

Barbados has so far escaped the wave of US immigration crackdowns that has swept the Caribbean, with no nationals reported among those targeted for deportation, Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds revealed on Friday.

Despite growing regional fears of mass US deportations and recent questions about possible nationals affected by the Donald Trump administration’s stepped-up deportation campaign, Symmonds said: “No Barbadian has been drawn to our attention yet.”

“At this point, there has been no Barbadian identified to us who has been caught up in any dragnet for deportation by the United States.”

The ministry is in the process of developing a comprehensive diaspora policy.

“My ministry continues to work on what I have described as being a diaspora policy, where we will find a way of reaching out to members of the diaspora to do a number of things developmentally, and also to try to lend greater assistance to individuals who may find themselves in need overseas,” the minister said.

His comments come against the backdrop of increased deportation threats from US immigration authorities, which earlier this year warned that migrants without legal status face jail and removal.

In a March advisory, the US government announced that it would intensify enforcement efforts, prompting concern across the Caribbean about the possible return of hundreds of nationals from the region.

A previous report also highlighted regional appeals for CARICOM to prepare for a surge in deportees, with the foreign minister himself warning in January that any mass removal of undocumented Caribbean nationals could overwhelm small states and devastate families.

Symmonds had stressed at the time that deportation could lead to emotional trauma and financial instability, especially for individuals who have spent most of their lives abroad but retain only technical ties to their countries of birth.

But speaking to Barbados TODAY on Friday, he reiterated that Barbados’ diaspora policy is meant to establish a long-term structure for engaging Barbadians overseas, not only in times of crisis but also as partners in national development.

The policy will include measures to better support nationals abroad who encounter difficulties, including immigration challenges, he said.

In the meantime, the foreign ministry continues to urge Barbadians living overseas to remain in contact with their nearest diplomatic missions and to seek help if they find themselves in vulnerable circumstances. (SM)