PRESS STATEMENT
HON. MICHAEL PINTARD, M.P.: FNM Details Fourth Pillar of Operation SHIELD Immigration Plan: End Unfairness and Enforce Stronger Penalties
The Free National Movement (FNM) today unveiled the fourth pillar of its comprehensive immigration policy platform, Operation SHIELD: E – End Unfairness and Enforce Stronger Penalties. This pillar confronts deep-rooted inequities in the immigration system and charts a clear path toward restoring order, fairness, and accountability to immigration laws in The Bahamas.
“Let me be clear: Under an FNM administration, anyone who enters The Bahamas illegally will never obtain citizenship.”
“We cannot solve an illegal immigration crisis by denying that it exists. For too long, the system has failed to deliver justice both to the Bahamian people and to those who follow the law in good faith. Fraudulent applications, forged documents, and insider deals have polluted the process. While legitimate applicants wait, politically connected individuals are fast-tracked without merit, transparency, and accountability. That will end under my leadership.”
The FNM’s plan to End Unfairness and Enforce Stronger Penalties includes the following key actions:
● Ensure that no one who enters The Bahamas illegally can ever obtain citizenship.
● Clear the backlog of work permit applications and restore service to applicants. By deploying mobile application units across New Providence and the Family Islands and launching an online tracking portal, we will ensure every application receives a fair and lawful determination. Good-faith applicants should not wait in limbo while politically connected individuals are fast-tracked without merit, without transparency, and without accountability.
● Close loopholes and raise the financial bar for sponsors. The current $1,000 bond is no longer adequate. An FNM government will significantly increase that amount to reflect the real cost of ensuring accountability. If you sponsor someone, you must prove that you can support them fully and face penalties if you abuse that privilege.
● Prosecute any public officer or elected official who facilitates the illegal granting of status. If you issue documents unlawfully, bypass proper procedures, or manipulate the system for personal or political gain, you will be held accountable.
● Regulate and audit immigration consultants to end manipulation for profit and political influence. The FNM will require all consultants to register publicly, disclose fee schedules, and any lobbying contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
● Ensure that full use is made of current legislation that allows for illegal migrants to be deported.
“This approach strengthens enforcement, protects national security, and streamlines legitimate applications. It ensures The Bahamas remains a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law.”
“Today’s announcement marks the fourth pillar of our national strategy to restore order, deliver justice, and secure the future of The Bahamas. We will not continue to reward illegal activity with the privileges of belonging.”