Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
April 17, 2025 – Bahamian and Turks and Caicos travelers and other foreigners heading to the United States are being strongly advised to rethink what they post online, as new U.S. immigration measures take aim at antisemitic content and behavior.
This warning is just that and despite widespread reports, seemingly aimed at fearmongering, the US has informed that there is no ban on Caribbean people travelling to the States.
According to Citizen X, the origin of the concern is linked to credible media houses posting reports on a leaked list of 43 countries under review for “potential travel restrictions.”
Among them: Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia.
“Eastern Caribbean States: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia are under a 60-day review period to address U.S. concerns about their citizenship-by-investment programs or potentially face visa restrictions,” explained the report.
But the U.S. State Department said in response to questions, “a review is not a ban.”
As of April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will now screen social media for signs of antisemitism when evaluating immigration applications—including visas, green cards, and student permits. According to DHS, any content that appears to support or promote antisemitic ideologies or terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthis may be used to deny entry or immigration benefits.
Here is What You Should Not Do:
- Do not post or share antisemitic content online. This includes memes, hashtags, retweets, or posts—past or present—that can be interpreted as supporting antisemitic rhetoric or violence.
- Do not associate with antisemitic groups or protests. Online or physical association with groups flagged for antisemitism could raise red flags during border screening or immigration reviews.
- Do not assume freedom of speech protects you abroad. While the First Amendment protects speech for U.S. citizens, it does not apply to foreign nationals seeking entry. The U.S. government has made it clear: advocating antisemitic views, even online, can lead to denial of entry or immigration benefits.
- Do not delete your social media without understanding the consequences. Attempts to erase content may be viewed with suspicion. Authorities often use digital footprints in discretionary reviews, so transparency matters.
- Do not ignore this new policy. Whether traveling as a tourist, student, or on business, your online activity is now part of your travel profile.
The U.S. Travel Association informs, this position has impacted travel decisions in the double digits. Canada and Europeans are particularly coy.
The Toronto Star reports: On Tuesday, the Canadian Association of University Teachers issued a travel advisory to its members that “strongly recommends” Canadian academic staff travel to the United States only if necessary.
The CAUT represents 72,000 teachers, librarians, researchers, general staff and other academic professionals at some 125 universities and colleges across the country.
The increased scrutiny is compounded say some news reports by the so called, ‘trade war’
and tariff changes by the Trump Administration.
Yahoo!News: “Travellers from western Europe who stayed at least one night in the US fell by 17 per cent in March from a year ago, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). US tourism from countries such as Ireland, Norway and Germany fell by more than a fifth in the same period.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials say this measure is in line with broader efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. Bahamians planning to travel or study in the U.S. are urged to audit their online presence and avoid engaging in or endorsing any form of hate speech.
In short, stay informed, stay respectful, and stay cautious—both online and offline.