Based on information received from the United States Embassy in Barbados, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis has made a formal release urging nationals of the federation to travel responsibly and to adhere to all US immigration and travel laws.

This is so that individuals are aware of the serious legal consequences and repercussions associated with violating U.S Immigration policies when travelling to or residing in the United States (U.S).

Persons are asked to be conscious of the following information:

• Persons in violation of immigration laws may face penalties of arrests, fines, lengthy incarceration, deportation and permanent bans on future travel to the US.

• There is no automatic right to remain in the US and persons remaining after their authorized period of stay or violate the conditions of admission can face serious legal repercussions.

• Persons unlawfully present have the opportunity to leave through the voluntary departure program and in some cases may receive financial and other necessary support. To register persons can visit the website: https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome.

• Individuals that are arrested or break laws may have their visas revoked and be subject to deportation.

• New visa restrictions have been implemented against foreign officials and others who facilitate illegal immigration and human smuggling, while governments that do not cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens may face broad travel restrictions.

• Finally the United States continues to welcome legitimate travellers but emphasized there will be no tolerance for illegal entry, visa abuse and non-compliance with immigration laws.

Meantime, earlier this year the US administration announced that it would conduct mass deportations of non US citizens from various countries across the globe. Since these immigration policies were implemented a total of 9 individuals have been repatriated to the federation this year over the last five (5) months, according to information from the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force.