On Tuesday, President Trump announced an expansion of his travel ban, more than doubling the number of countries affected to a total of 39. Initially implemented in June, the first version of the travel ban restricted entry from 19 nations, which included Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and several others, fully prohibiting immigration and travel. Partial suspensions were also placed on nationals from countries such as Burundi and Venezuela.
The new proclamation adds seven countries to the list of those facing full entry restrictions: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Laos, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria. Additionally, it imposes partial entry limits on travelers from 15 other nations, including Angola, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Notably, the proclamation includes an entry ban for individuals traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. However, the restrictions for Turkmenistan have been eased, recognizing improved cooperation in information-sharing with the U.S.
While the new measures incorporate some exceptions, such as for permanent U.S. residents and participants in major sporting events, they also remove prior exemptions for the children, spouses, and parents of U.S. citizens who had visa applications in progress.
The intent behind the expansion stems from concerns about inadequate vetting processes for immigrants from these countries, compounded by issues such as armed conflict and corruption. The administration previously hinted at such an expansion following a tragic incident involving the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., where the suspect, an Afghan man, had entered the U.S. in September 2021.
Trump emphasized that nations like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica’s policies allowing foreigners to gain citizenship without residency create a potential loophole for individuals attempting to evade the U.S. travel restrictions.
During his first term, versions of the travel ban faced considerable opposition, while legal challenges argued the policy was discriminatory. Nevertheless, in 2018, the Supreme Court affirmed the president’s authority to impose such travel restrictions on national security grounds.
As discussions surrounding immigration and border control continue, the administration reinforces its stance to protect national security, addressing complexities related to international travel and entry policies.