U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a major expansion of entry restrictions affecting nationals from approximately 40 countries, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following a recent attack in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan asylum seeker. 🔒
What’s new:
Full entry bans added for Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, and Palestinian Authority document holders
Laos and Sierra Leone upgraded from partial to full restrictions
15 new countries face partial visa limits including Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
The policy tightens rules first introduced in June 2025, which targeted 12 high-risk nations. Officials cite “persistent deficiencies” in foreign governments’ security vetting as justification. 📋
While partial restrictions were lifted for Turkmenistan’s non-immigrant visas, the U.S. State Department has suspended all Afghan passport visa issuances. The changes come as USCIS initiates renewed reviews of green card holders from previously listed “countries of concern.”
Critics argue the measures could strain international relations, with The Washington Post noting Trump’s pattern of linking immigration policy to security incidents. The administration maintains the updates are “essential to protect national interests.” 🇺🇸
