The United States has imposed a complete entry ban on citizens of seven countries, including Syria, with President Donald Trump asserting that America will not allow itself to be destabilised by foreign threats. The restrictions also bar holders of Palestinian Authority passports from entering the country.
Apart from Syria, the ban applies to nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan in Africa, and Laos in Southeast Asia. The White House said the decision was taken to prevent individuals who may pose security risks from entering the US.
In addition, partial travel restrictions have been imposed on citizens of several other countries, including Nigeria, select Caribbean nations, and multiple African states. The entry of Somali nationals had already been prohibited earlier.
A full travel ban is also in force against citizens of Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Sudan and Yemen, while partial restrictions apply to Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Explaining the move, the White House said the measures are aimed at blocking foreign nationals who intend to threaten or undermine the United States. President Trump, it said, is determined to protect American culture, government and institutions, making it clear that the country will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt its stability.
