Trump administration doubles scope of restrictions
The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it is expanding U.S. travel restrictions to an additional 20 countries and to people traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The move doubles the number of nations affected by sweeping limits first announced earlier this year and marks a significant escalation of U.S. immigration controls.
New bans and partial restrictions
Five additional countries have been added to the full travel ban list: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Travel by individuals holding Palestinian Authority issued travel documents is also now fully restricted.
An additional 15 countries will face partial travel restrictions, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Who is exempt from the policy
The administration said the restrictions will not apply to people who already hold valid U.S. visas, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, athletes or individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests. The new rules are scheduled to take effect on January 1.
Rationale behind the expansion
Officials said many of the affected countries have widespread corruption, unreliable civil documents or criminal record systems that make vetting difficult. Other factors cited include high visa overstay rates, refusal to accept deported citizens and overall instability that complicates screening.
Afghanistan and security concerns
The expansion follows the arrest of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House. Although the suspect has pleaded not guilty, the incident prompted further immigration restrictions, including limits on individuals from countries already under scrutiny.
Criticism from rights groups
Immigration advocates and refugee organizations condemned the move, arguing that it unfairly targets people based on nationality rather than individual risk. Critics also raised alarms that the updated policy removes an exemption for Afghans eligible for Special Immigrant Visas, including those who assisted U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan.
International response
Governments affected by the new restrictions said they were reviewing the announcement. Officials from countries such as Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda stated they were seeking clarification from U.S. authorities and assessing the potential impact on their citizens.
Palestinian travel restrictions
The new proclamation further tightens U.S. travel rules for Palestinians, extending earlier measures that already made it extremely difficult for holders of Palestinian Authority passports to visit the United States for business, education or tourism.
