Post by : Meena Ariff

On Tuesday, the US administration revealed a significant broadening of its travel and immigration policies, adding restrictions for 20 new nations and travelers holding documents from the Palestinian Authority. This extension effectively doubles earlier travel limitations put in place this year.

According to the new decree, five countries will face a total travel ban, while 15 others will experience partial limitations. These changes are scheduled to take effect on January 1.

Officials indicate that this decision is part of an effort to strengthen entry protocols, citing national security worries, challenges with immigration enforcement, and vetting issues. Concerns acknowledged included unreliable civil registries, governmental corruption, excessive visa overstays, the refusal from some nations to accept deportees, and unsteady political situations that hinder screening procedures.

The decision follows increased scrutiny following the arrest of an Afghan suspect linked to the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House during the Thanksgiving weekend. The individual has entered a plea of not guilty.

Countries newly facing a full travel ban include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Additionally, those with Palestinian Authority-issued documents are now entirely prohibited from entering or immigrating to the US, escalating restrictions on Palestinians significantly.

Furthermore, an additional 15 nations—Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—will be subject to partial restrictions affecting both visitors and potential immigrants.

Certain categories will remain exempt, including lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is considered beneficial for US national interest.

The announcement has faced substantial backlash from immigration and human rights advocates who contend that the policy indiscriminately targets individuals based on nationality and overlooks individual risk factors. Critics have also flagged that the new regulations have eliminated previous allowances for Afghans eligible for Special Immigrant Visas, available to those who supported US forces during the Afghan conflict.

Several of the impacted countries are now evaluating the ramifications and seeking clarification from US officials, while the administration reiterated that existing travel bans outlined in June will remain in effect.

#Canada News #Politics News #World News