President Donald Trump has signed an order limiting travel to the U.S. from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran, citing security concerns. Seven additional countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, face partial restrictions under the new policy. Image: AFP/Getty images
The United States has expanded its travel ban, adding seven countries to the list of nations subject to full entry restrictions, including Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and holders of Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial restrictions, are now fully banned. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement efforts, prioritizing security concerns.
US Travel Ban To Syria
The administration cites Syria’s inadequate central authority for issuing passports and civil documents, as well as insufficient screening and vetting measures, as reasons for the ban. This decision contrasts with Trump’s earlier vow to support Syria’s success after meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander.
The expanded ban, effective January 1, applies to immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business travelers. Trump also added partial restrictions on 15 countries, including Nigeria, amid scrutiny over treatment of Christians. Nigeria denies claims of Christian persecution, citing complex security issues and efforts to safeguard religious freedom.
The countries under full travel ban now include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
The 15 countries under partial restrictions are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Immigration Policy
The Trump administration has aggressively enforced immigration policies, deploying federal agents to major cities and turning away asylum seekers. This escalation follows the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 with insufficient vetting.
The administration cites widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents, and criminal records in these countries, making it difficult to vet citizens for travel to the U.S. Some countries have high rates of visa overstays, refuse to take back their citizens, or have limited government control, making vetting challenging.
Existing visa holders, green card holders, diplomats, and certain other categories are exempt from the restrictions. The proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
The Trump administration has lifted the existing ban on non-immigrant visas from Turkmenistan, citing productive engagement with the United States. The administration continues to review and update travel restrictions based on national security and public safety concerns.
“
About the Author
