'Will not allow those who pose threat to American citizens'; Trump imposes travel ban on more countries

WASHINGTON: As part of strengthening public safety measures, the United States has imposed travel restrictions on citizens of more countries. Nationals of seven countries, including Syria, and holders of passports issued by the Palestinian Authority have been barred from entering the US. A statement from the White House said President Donald Trump has taken a firm stand against allowing foreigners who could pose a threat to American citizens.

The White House said Trump aims to prevent foreign nationals from weakening or destabilising American culture, government institutions, and founding principles. The move follows incidents in Syria in which both US soldiers and civilians were killed.

Travel restrictions have now been imposed on countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone. In addition, individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority and citizens of Laos in Southeast Asia will also be denied entry into the US. Earlier, in June, the US administration had imposed a complete travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The latest restrictions come in addition to those earlier measures.

Restrictions had already been placed on countries such as Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Partial restrictions have been imposed on 15 countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.