ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — Grenada Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre says she has been engaging United States officials for months over travel restrictions affecting Grenadians, as US visa measures continue to create added costs and uncertainty for some travelers.
Pierre, political leader of the opposition New National Party, said in a social media statement that her discussions have focused on understanding what she described as the root causes of the restrictions and addressing their impact.
“Over the past few months, I have been actively engaging with US officials to understand the root causes of the recent travel restrictions affecting Grenadians,” Pierre said.
She said the measures have disrupted travel for people across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, including those with family connections and business interests in the United States.
Pierre did not announce any change in US policy or indicate that Washington had agreed to remove measures affecting Grenadian travelers.
US visa bond remains a barrier for Grenadian travelers
Grenada remains among the countries whose nationals are subject to the United States’ visa bond program, according to the U.S. State Department, with the requirement for Grenadian nationals taking effect April 2.
The policy allows consular officers to require bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 from otherwise eligible B1, B2 or combined B1/B2 visa applicants. An earlier Unitedpac report detailed how the Grenada US visa bond could expose some applicants to payments of up to $20,000.
The State Department says a consular officer may require the posting of a visa bond before a visa is issued under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The requirement does not amount to a complete prohibition on Grenadian nationals traveling to the United States. Instead, it creates an additional financial requirement for affected applicants before certain visitor visas can be issued.
Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval or admission into the United States.
Pierre highlights talks with US officials
Pierre singled out Karin Sullivan, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Barbados, for what she described as continued engagement and constructive dialogue.
She thanked Sullivan for the discussions while pointing to what she described as the longstanding relationship between Grenada and the United States.
“The New National Party shares a strong, historic partnership with the United States, a relationship that has always been built on mutual benefit and respect,” Pierre said.
She said the New National Party remained committed to dialogue aimed at addressing concerns affecting Grenadians and maintaining opportunities for travel and cooperation between the two countries.
Pierre did not disclose whether the discussions produced specific commitments from US officials or whether she formally sought changes to the visa bond requirement.
Grenada Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre elevates visa concerns
Pierre’s intervention places the US visa measures more firmly into Grenada’s political discussion while highlighting the opposition’s effort to engage Washington directly on an issue affecting Grenadian nationals.
Grenada’s government identifies Emmalin Pierre as the current Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition.
Her statement comes as Grenadian travelers continue to face the visa bond requirement. As of Oct. 2, Grenada remained on the State Department’s official list of countries subject to the program.
Pierre has not said whether US officials indicated that Grenada could be removed from the program or whether further formal discussions are planned.
Any change to the visa requirements would depend on subsequent action by US authorities, while Pierre’s engagement keeps the issue in focus for Grenadians affected by the additional requirements for travel to the United States.
