Trump Imposes Entry Restrictions on Seven Other Countries and Palestinians

Donald Trump has expanded entry bans to the United States to include citizens from seven countries, including Syria, as well as Palestinians. The U.S. President signed a proclamation to 'further restrict and limit the entry of foreign nationals to protect the security of the United States,' according to the White House.

The new countries affected by this measure include Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, South Sudan, and Syria, while Laos and Sierra Leone will move from partial to total restrictions. Palestinians holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are also targeted.

The Trump administration had already imposed total restrictions on citizens from twelve countries, while several others faced partial restrictions. Regarding Syria, this measure comes just days after a deadly attack on American soldiers in the center of the country.

The Trump administration claims to have identified countries where vetting is 'so inadequate that it justified a total or partial suspension of admission for nationals from those countries.' However, the proclamation does provide exceptions for legal permanent residents, holders of existing visas, certain visa categories such as athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves the national interests of the United States.

Since returning to power in January, Donald Trump has launched a broad campaign against illegal immigration and has significantly tightened entry conditions to the United States and visa issuance, citing national security protection.

These measures aim to prevent entry to foreigners who 'intend to threaten' Americans, according to the White House, as well as those who 'could harm the culture, government, institutions, or founding principles' of the United States.

Recently, the U.S. President expressed strong opposition to Somalis, stating that he 'did not want them here.' In June, he announced entry bans on nationals from twelve countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East (Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen).

In contrast, Turkmenistan, one of the most isolated countries in the world, received a favorable review, with the White House citing 'significant progress' in the Central Asian state. Consequently, nationals from this country will once again be able to obtain U.S. visas, but only as non-immigrants.

During his first term (2017-2021), Donald Trump similarly targeted certain countries, primarily focusing on Muslim nations.