The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it will suspend entry from 19 countries already facing full or partial travel restrictions.
The countries affected include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
This entry suspension is immediate and targets nationals who entered the United States after January 20, 2021, which was the day President Joe Biden took office. Those from the listed countries who arrive in the U.S. after that date will undergo a review, including interviews to assess any potential risks to national security or public safety.
The suspension also impacts green card and citizenship applications from these countries. Notably, individuals from any of the 19 countries who have already passed their citizenship tests won’t be able to participate in the citizenship ceremony until the restrictions are lifted.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Biden’s handling of immigration, alleging that he allowed terrorists to infiltrate the U.S. by opening the borders. “He put them on planes, he drove them to our airports,” she said, implying that once they reach U.S. soil, they are easily let in. “It’s our job to get them out,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, on social media, some Reddit users have expressed frustration over canceled citizenship ceremonies. One individual from Portland mentioned his wife’s ceremony scheduled for December 3 was abruptly canceled, leaving many others unclear about the situation.
Meanwhile, a memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that details these new restrictions cites the recent shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., with a suspect identified as Rahmanullah Rakanwar, a 29-year-old Afghan national, currently facing serious charges.
Lakhanwal’s defense attorney stated during a hearing that his client pleaded not guilty to all charges.
