US Expands Travel Ban to 20 More Countries From Jan 1

US President Donald Trump has announced a further expansion of the scope of travel restrictions.

Under the new policy, citizens of 20 more countries have been banned from entering the United States, which will be implemented from January 1. This decision is being said to be part of the Trump administration’s immigration and national security policy.

According to US media reports, the new restrictions will also affect students, family members of US citizens, and Afghan special immigrant visa holders. Countries facing a full ban include Syria, South Sudan, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

In addition, those individuals whose travel documents have been issued by the Palestinian Authority will also not be able to travel to the United States.

Several countries have imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens. These countries include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Under the partial restrictions, limited travel may be permitted under certain visa categories.

Notably, President Trump had previously imposed travel restrictions on citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, in June. After a shooting incident outside the White House, he had taken a tough stance on immigration and had also hinted at limiting migration from developing countries.

The latest decision brings the number of countries facing travel restrictions from the United States to 35. According to White House sources, the Trump administration is also considering imposing restrictions on citizens of 15 more countries, the majority of which are said to be African countries.

A White House spokesman says these measures are being taken to protect the national security of the United States. According to him, the government wants to prevent the entry of foreigners who could cause instability or security concerns for the country.