The reasons for Trump’s travel ban against these 12 countries

The travel ban decreed by the Trump administration crystallizes major security, geopolitical, and migratory stakes. The arguments put forward touch upon alleged visa violations, the perception of terrorist threats, and a lack of administrative cooperation, shaking millions of lives. Countries in Africa and the Middle East find themselves hit by uncompromising restrictions, fueling heated debates about the legitimacy of the motives invoked. The emphasis is placed on the presumed danger of certain territories, exacerbated by mistrust of local authorities and a stigmatization of their state systems. The strict application of the principle of national security shapes modern diplomatic relations. This radical policy highlights a deep divide between American protectionism and international fundamental rights, raising heavy consequences for the affected nationals.

Quick Focus
12 countries targeted by a total travel ban to the United States, mainly from Africa and the Middle East.
National security motives invoked, including the fight against terrorism and the protection of the American population.
Accusations of visa overstays considered frequent among nationals of these countries, with reported high non-compliance rates.
States with weak state control (e.g., Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Haiti): absence of competent or cooperative central authorities.
States classified as state sponsors of terrorism (e.g., Iran, Cuba) or as havens for terrorist groups, according to American justifications.
Non-cooperation on the reception of deportees: several countries refuse to take back their nationals in irregular situations in the United States.
Identity documents deemed unreliable or difficulty verifying the backgrounds of nationals by American authorities.
Migration impacts: massive influx observed in certain cases (for example, Haiti), worsening pressure on the American immigration system.
International reactions: some concerned countries describe the measure as unfair or discriminatory.

Security criteria and nationality: the deployed argumentation #

The travel ban decreed by Donald Trump primarily targets twelve nations from Africa and the Middle East. The American administration relies on a rhetoric focused on national security, invoking terrorist threats and failures in managing migration flows. The mention of recent attacks attributed to non-American nationals serves to justify the severity of the bans.

Trump argues that several of these states harbor groups designated as terrorists, or do not maintain constructive dialogue with American authorities regarding security. These elements weigh heavily in the balance of entry conditions into the territory of the United States. To deepen this panorama, the issue of entry blocked by Trump is examined by the specialized press.

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Accusations against Afghanistan: instability and territorial control #

Afghanistan is designated by Washington as an epicenter of threats, particularly due to the predominance of the Taliban, classified as Especially Terrorist Global Group. A lack of centralized governance to issue passports and civil documents adds to the list of grievances. Overstays of visas by Afghan nationals are also highlighted.

Iran and the persistence of the terrorism issue #

The label of “state sponsor of terrorism” still sticks to Iranian authorities according to the American proclamation. Washington accuses Tehran of supporting groups acting indirectly in the region, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and of lacking cooperation on security matters. Iran is also criticized for refusing to repatriate its nationals sanctioned for expulsion.

Somalia, Libya: between state deficiency and cross-border risks #

The United States associates Somalia with a terrorist refuge and reproaches a lack of governmental control over the territory. The Somali government is under constant pressure from Islamist militias, hindering its ability to meet American security requirements.

Libya inherits a similar image: the historical presence of terrorist groups justifies, according to Washington, a strict embargo on travel. The inability to manage the issuance of credible passports is also among the reproaches directed at these states.

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Haiti: migration flows and criminal networks #

Washington reports hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian migrants present on American soil. The Trump administration links this reality to the formation of criminal networks and a high rate of temporary visa overstays. The weakness of the law enforcement system in Haiti fuels American caution regarding the granting of new visas. These migratory dynamics are part of the broader context of a lack of central authority, the cause of chronic insecurity.

Extended visas: Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, and Equatorial Guinea #

Countries like Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, and Equatorial Guinea are particularly targeted for their high visa overstay rates. According to reports from the Department of Homeland Security, nearly half of Chadians arriving in 2023 with a business or tourist visa did not leave the territory within the authorized time frame. Chad is accused of willfully transgressing American immigration legislation.

Lack of cooperation and administrative incapacity: Myanmar, Eritrea, Sudan, Yemen #

In Myanmar, Eritrea, Sudan, and Yemen, the emphasis is placed on the institutional incapacity to provide reliable civil documents and on the absence of cooperation during repatriations. Eritrea receives particular attention for its refusal to share the criminal records of its nationals, while Yemen finds its territory fragmented by war, making it impossible to control population flows.

Partial restrictions for certain states #

Seven countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan, endure lesser restrictions, both for administrative hurdles and for overstay rates. Venezuela is accused of dysfunctions in the issuance of passports and of refusing to take back its nationals targeted by an American expulsion. Cuba is also among the countries designated as “state sponsors of terrorism.” All these detailed measures fit into a rise of restrictions, outlined in this synthesis of the tourism sector.

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Related aspects and implications for mobility #

The tightening of migratory controls provokes international reactions, altering the strategies of travel agencies. Other specialized articles also address the repercussions of similar restrictions on mobility, such as those affecting TikTok in the travel sector (see the dedicated article). Some island destinations adopt their own measures that illustrate the rise of restrictive access policies (the example of the Island of Thousand Flowers) or highlight the penalties incurred for violations, such as fines and long bans (case study).