Jamaicans seeking permanent residence in the US now in limbo

 

The fate of Jamaicans seeking permanent residence in the United States is seemingly in limbo. 

 

This, after the US announced a suspension for immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Jamaica, to take effect January 21. 

 

The Jamaican government and immigration officials are watching and waiting cautiously. 

 

For thousands, the road to permanent residence in the US has come to a standstill as the suspension puts applications on ice. The indefinite freeze affects 12 CARICOM countries, including Jamaica, the Bahamas and Barbados. 

 

Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana were not listed. 

 

On January 4, President Trump posted to his Truth Social account a list of 120 countries whose citizens received the most welfare benefits. 

 

Wednesday's list of a 75 countries align with some of the highest recipients, except Trinidad and Tobago, which was ranked above Jamaica. 

 

An immigrant visa allows a foreigner to live and work permanently in the US and require a sponsor - that is a family or employer - to file a petition leading to a green card on approval. 

 

Non-immigrant visas such as for tourism and business are not affected. 

 

Meanwhile, Director of a New York-based Caribbean Immigrant Services, Dr. Irwine Clare, says the suspension triggers uncertainty for those already deep in the process for immigrant visas. 

 

"Folks who would have spent their monies, followed the rules to apply for their loved ones, as is permissible, and now to have this type of pause put on their application process, with additional extra scrutinies. But it also represents this administration's onslaught on family reunification," he reasoned. "If one may recall, they had wanted, in the first term, to deal with the nuclear family, which would be spousal petitions and for children under 21." 

 

He said many are now forced to play the waiting game amid growing hostility in the US. 

 

"I don't want to sound coy, but don't sell the cows or the dogs yet. The prevailing condition in the United States is very hostile to migration to that country, especially from countries such as ours. I'm very cautious as to the recommendations and advice, because it is still a fluid situation. We still need to know the full extent of it. Our government needs to get more clarity from the United States. Jamaica is a friendly border. The Caribbean is a friendly border to the United States. I think there needs to be some advocacy on our part as it relates to the impact economically on this country and otherwise," Mr. Clare urged.

 

Overseas media say consular officers have been directed to refuse visa applications until screening and vetting procedures are reassessed. 

 

The Planning Institute of Jamaica's 2022 Economic and Social Service, said 19,063 Jamaicans were granted visas for permanent residence or citizenship in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom in 2021.