The Trump Administration has added some of Africa’s biggest countries to the “Travel Ban” list. Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, and Tanzania have made it to the updated restricted countries list. Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar also made the list. Trump also implemented new rules regarding travelers from China due to the coronavirus epidemic. Trump’s decision to ban these countries is based on, according to the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, their inability to provide sufficient or satisfactory information regarding terrorism within their states. Kyrgyz officials claim that their inclusion in the ban is due to Kyrgyzstan not having updated passport biometrics systems set in place. Some critics of the ban believe that inclusion of these six countries seemingly follows the Trump Administration’s push on preventing nationals of certain majority Muslim countries from entering the United States. The Trump Administration's decision to restrict travel falls primarily under the prevention of terrorist attacks in the United States. However, questions must be asked about the selection of these countries. For instance, Nigeria’s military has cooperated with and trained alongside the United States military for years. For Nigerian nationals who are themselves fleeing terrorism, the travel ban inclusion will now make any visa nearly impossible to obtain. The impact of the ban may play a toll on Africa’s economy, with Nigeria possessing the largest GDP of the continent. The addition of these six new countries into the Travel Ban will take effect on February 22nd. The Trump Administration focused on banning the issuance of Immigrant Visas with respect to these countries, but nationals of the six countries who obtained Immigrant Visas before then will still be able to travel to the United States, according to officials. Foreign nationals who have obtained nonimmigrant visas, temporary workers, and those with specialized skill occupations and students, will not be affected by this ban. A waiver is available and must be requested in each Immigrant Visa case for citizens of the affected countries. Traditionally, the requirement for an Immigrant Visa waiver is “extreme hardship” to a qualifying U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident family member. However, the administration has not specified an adjudication process, nor how entry will be permitted for those who qualify for this special circumstance.
How Can We Help?
Our Services
More Immigration Blogs
Hear From Our
Clients
"One of the top immigration lawyers in Chicagoland. Michael Ibrahim is attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable. One of his best abilities is his availability. He responds to emails with attention and detail, often on the same day. Don't underestimate that in dealing with any immigration matter. He is personable; he does not simply collect fees and treat you like a client but rather like a friend. Your success is his success, and he understands that. If Michael were a surgeon, accountant, or another lawyer in any other field. I would want him. You cannot replicate him.." -Yousef S.
"My wife and I are very thankful for Micheal Ibrahim. Before we hired him, we approached many immigration lawyers over ten years to duplicate documents that were destroyed in a fire. The results were disappointing. Micheal was able to find the lost documents. My wife got her permanent residency. He was always available for us during a stressful time. We would like to thank Michael for his knowledge, professionalism, and expertise. We would definitely recommend Michael for immigration services." -Farzad D.
"Michael took over my case, which had been in immigration proceedings for many years, and I am so glad that he did. He is very professional, kept my husband, and I informed of every step of the process, and gave us the most honest and beneficial advice! Highly recommended for anyone who is in need of a great immigration attorney! Thank you again, Michael!" -Nida F.
