US officials sound alarm on 'golden' visas, citing security risks, relaxed requirements

"Golden" visas have been popular among America's wealthiest over the past year or so.

While Americans are increasingly seeking second citizenship residencies as an "insurance" against global uncertainty, U.S. officials are taking actions against countries with such programs amid security risks.

U.S. officials say citizenship-by-investment programs can allow individuals from restricted countries to obtain new passports and bypass U.S. travel, financial or banking restrictions.

"A foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country," the proclamation says.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is an Antigua and Barbuda government body established to administer all applications.

Those seeking "golden passports" only need to have five days of their physical presence within the first five years after citizenship is granted, according to CIU.

Antigua and Barbuda also offers tax advantages, with no personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax - and citizenship is granted for life.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reiterated in a statement posted on Facebook that his country enacted comprehensive CBI legislative reforms back in October related to background checks and financial transparency.

"Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security and regional stability," Skerrit wrote. 

Mo Bennis, an associate vice president at Arton Capital, a global financial advisory and consultancy firm, told Fox News Digital he is surprised to see Antiqua listed.

"The country has continuously increased its due diligence and applicant vetting to a very rigorous level, using the same types of international security firms applied across the industry," he said.