People from Syria, South Sudan and those with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are included in the latest restrictions. More than 35 countries are now under U.S. travel restrictions.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday significantly expanded U.S. travel restrictions, adding 20 more countries to an existing ban just weeks after he pledged tougher measures following the arrest of an Afghan national accused in the shooting of two National Guard troops in Washington.
The revised policy, set to take effect on January 1, fully blocks travel from five additional countries—Syria, South Sudan, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—as well as individuals holding documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Partial restrictions were imposed on travelers from 15 more countries, most of them in Africa, bringing the total number of nations facing U.S. travel limits to more than 35.
Trump first imposed a travel ban on 12 countries, including Afghanistan, in June and later vowed to “permanently pause migration from all third world countries.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she advised the president to enact sweeping restrictions.
The new policy also affects spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders, and international students. Overall, the move marks a major escalation in the administration’s crackdown on legal immigration, impacting nearly one-fifth of countries worldwide.
