Political scientist Alex Bruno has expressed concern about reports that Dominica could receive third-country refugees under arrangements with the United States, arguing that the island may not have the resources or institutional capacity to manage such a programme effectively.
Speaking during a radio programme, Bruno questioned reports suggesting that individuals considered among the “worst of the worst” could be transferred to participating countries, saying such an arrangement would place significant pressure on a small nation like Dominica.
“Our country didn’t say that we’re going to get the worst of the worst. And if we get the worst of the worst, we have some problems because I don’t think we have the resources and wherewithal to manage the worst of the worst,” Bruno stated.
Bruno also suggested that recent United States visa restrictions imposed on Dominican nationals may have been used as leverage in broader diplomatic negotiations. He expressed sympathy for Dominican citizens who have experienced visa refusals, noting that the restrictions affect families, students, business travellers and others seeking to visit the United States for legitimate reasons.
He argued that many Dominicans who have complied with immigration requirements are now facing increased uncertainty, making it more difficult to visit relatives, access medical care or travel for personal and professional reasons.
Turning to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, Bruno said that previous cases of individuals with questionable backgrounds obtaining Dominican passports had damaged international confidence in the programme.
According to him, concerns raised by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have contributed to increased scrutiny of Dominica’s passport programme and wider immigration policies. He maintained that restoring confidence would require comprehensive reforms and stronger oversight.
“I’m hoping that that’s not the case, but until and unless we sanitize the programme, which is not very easy to do, I think regime change would have to be a precursor to fixing the issue,” Bruno said.
Bruno concluded by cautioning that choices regarding immigration, refugee housing, and international agreements require a close look at Dominica’s public services, current budgets, and long-term goals. He noted that national laws must balance global kindness with our own capacity to maintain public trust, secure our borders, and protect community peace.
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