Trump Expands US Travel Ban to 19 Countries, Includes Palestinians
Trump's decision, as per the White House, comes in order to “protect the security of the United States” and has increased the list from 12 to 19 nations.
In a move aimed at enhancing national security, US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation restricting entry for foreign nationals from seven additional countries. The decision brings the total number of countries under the travel ban to 19. The latest additions include Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Laos, and Sierra Leone. The move comes after a recent ISIS ambush in Syria resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and an American interpreter.
The new additions join the existing list of 12 countries whose nationals are already barred from entering the US. These countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Notably, the Trump administration has also imposed full restrictions on individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents. Partial restrictions remain in place for Venezuela, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and several other countries.
In a separate development, the US government has removed Turkmenistan from the list due to 'productive engagements'. However, a ban on non-immigrant visas for Turkmen nationals remains in place, with a complete ban on immigration still applicable.
The latest move is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and protect American interests.
