U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a travel restrictions Executive Order, preventing citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and the Republic of Congo from entering the world’s superpower nation. Other nations affected by the restriction include Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
These nationals have a history of terrorism and overstayed when they issued visas, according to Trump. “We don’t want them,” he said in a video address from the Oval Office, where U.S. presidents work.
According to Trump, the recent arrest of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian citizen who had sought asylum in the U.S., was for attacking and injuring twelve people at a march parade in Boulder, Colorado, in support of hostages in Gaza.
Soliman was arrested over a “suspected act of terrorism,” according to a media report citing papers filed in federal court. Trump said the attack underscores the extreme danger posed to the U.S. by foreign nationals who are not properly vetted by security apparatus before entering the country, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. “In the 21st century, we have seen one terrorist attack after another carried out by visa overstayers from dangerous places all over the world,” President Trump said.
“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen… That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others.”
Protecting U.S borders from illegal immigrants and those with criminal travel history was key to Trump’s second-term campaign message, terming them as undocumented and legal migrants. He promised to target migrant gangs, ban sanctuary cities, and seek the death penalty for any migrant who kills a US citizen.
The US president fulfilled these promises when he assumed office, cracking down and sending back illegal immigrants to their home country. Seven of the twelve countries, including Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, the Republic of Congo, and Sudan, are from Africa. Chad, Somalia, and Sudan have struggled with persistent terrorist threats. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which are run by military juntas that took power in coups, are excluded from the Trump travel restrictions, though President Trump said the list will be updated as more countries show terroristic behaviors.
In a statement, the African Union calls upon the Trump administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.
The Commission appeals for transparent communication and, where necessary, collaborative efforts to address any underlying issues that may have informed this decision.
“The African Union Commission has taken note of the recent proclamation by the Government of the United States imposing new travel restrictions affecting nationals from several countries, including some on the African continent. The African Union Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned. The Commission appeals for transparent communication and, where necessary, collaborative efforts to address any underlying issues that may have informed this decision.”
“While recognizing the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens, the African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.”
