US Eyeing Wider Travel Restrictions: Potential Ban Extension to 36 More Countries
Expansion of Travel Restrictions Proposed for 36 Additional Nations by U.S. Authorities
Let's take a closer look at the latest travel restrictions brewing in the USA. The White House might be expanding its entry ban to cover an additional 36 countries, according to a confidential State Department memo. This memo, confirmed by AFP on Monday, comes on the heels of last week's blanket ban on citizens hailing from 12 countries[1][2][3].
The existing ban has left individuals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen scrambling to enter the US.
The White House's rationale for this move? Protecting American citizens from foreign terrorists[3]. Alongside this comprehensive ban, the administration has also imposed partial entry bans for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. However, these countries will continue to receive temporary work visas[3].
The proposed expansion of the ban could potentially impact countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cambodia, Syria, and several other nations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region[3][4].
The "Washington Post" has reportedly reviewed the memo, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which was delivered to diplomats working with the specified countries[4][5]. If this expansion unfolds, nearly one in five individuals globally would reside in a country under a US entry ban[4].
Now, let's break it down: the affected countries are divided into two primary categories[2][3][4]:
- Full Suspension of Entry: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- Partial/Limited Entry: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The underlying justification for these restrictions revolves around safeguarding the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats[3][4]. The administration argued that national security agencies conducted a thorough risk assessment on numerous countries, focusing on authentication flaws and the potential for terrorism and public safety risks[3][4].
For instance:
- Iran is included due to its status as a state sponsor of terrorism and diplomatic tensions, notably over its nuclear program[3].
- Libya is cited for its historical presence of terrorists, failure to issue valid passports and civil documents, and ongoing civil conflict[3].
- Somalia is listed as a "terrorist safe haven" with a dysfunctional government and lingering security issues[3].
The proclamation emphasizes that these measures aim to maintain stringent security standards and deter individuals who may pose a risk from entering the US[3][4].
- In light of the ongoing discussions, the community policy regarding travel restrictions may face an overhaul, potentially expanding the ban on entry to an additional 36 countries, including Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cambodia, Syria, and several others.
- Amidst the proposed expansion of travel restrictions, political discourse focusing on policy-and-legislation is expected to intensify, as general-news outlets scrutinize the rationale behind the policy changes, exploring issues such as the impact of vocational training and workforce development in affected countries on national security and public safety.
