Table of Contents
- Travel Ban Expansion Announced
- New Restrictions and Details
- Background on the Situation
- Reactions and Criticism
- Administration's Defense
The White House has revealed an expansion of its travel ban, adding 20 additional countries and implementing new restrictions on others.
This action forms part of a larger initiative to strengthen U.S. travel and immigration policies.
The Trump Administration has announced an extension of its travel banCredit: Alamy
The announcement follows the Thanksgiving shooting of two National Guard membersCredit: Getty
On Tuesday, the Trump administration confirmed that the updated restrictions would encompass 20 additional countries, including the Palestinian Authority.
The restrictions on Palestinians come months after it became nearly impossible for holders of Palestinian Authority passports to acquire travel documents for business, work, leisure, or education.
This expansion effectively doubles the number of nations impacted by significant changes to U.S. travel policies.
The decision was prompted by increased concerns following an incident near the White House during the Thanksgiving weekend involving Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
One soldier was killed, and another remains in critical condition.
In the wake of the attack, discussions were held to formulate strategies to prevent “foreign invaders” from entering the U.S.
In a statement, Noem expressed: “I am advocating for a complete travel ban on every single country that has been inundating our nation with criminals, parasites, and those seeking handouts.”
“Our forefathers established this nation through blood, sweat, and an unwavering love for freedom.”
“Not for foreign invaders to harm our heroes, drain our hard-earned tax dollars, or seize the benefits rightfully owed to AMERICANS.”
Noem concluded with: “WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”
Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021 during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, having previously served as an ally to Special Forces troops.
He is now facing first-degree murder charges related to the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom.
Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and assault.
In June, President Trump initially announced travel bans affecting citizens of 12 countries, along with increased restrictions for seven others.
The move has drawn widespread criticismCredit: Alamy
The White House stated that all the countries are considered high riskCredit: Getty
The original full ban applied to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Partial restrictions were placed on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The newly expanded list of countries facing full travel bans now includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.
Additionally, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are now subject to partial restrictions.
The administration has also tightened restrictions on Laos and Sierra Leone while easing some for travelers from Turkmenistan.
Those already in the U.S. will now undergo increased scrutiny, regardless of when they arrived.
Critics claim the expanded ban constitutes collective punishment based on nationality.
Immigration attorney Todd Pomerleau stated that the policy will face legal challenges “before the ink is dry.”
“This is essentially targeting individuals based on their nationality, birthplace, affiliations, beliefs, or religion,” Pomerleau remarked.
Laurie Ball Cooper, Vice President of U.S. Legal Programs at the International Refugee Assistance Project, described the ban
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
