📍 Breaking News: This article covers the latest developments. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage.
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The White House declared on Tuesday that U. S. leader Donald Trump has added Syria to an expanded list of countries subject to a full U. S. Notably, travel ban, citing security, screening, and information-sharing concerns. The White House stated Trump signed a proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with “persistent and severe deficiencies” in screening and vetting, aimed at protecting U.
S. national security and public safety. Under the decision, Syrian citizens are barred from entering the United States, alongside nationals of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and holders of Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial restrictions, are now subject to a full ban. The expanded travel ban is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, as per the White House. Notably, in its justification, the administration cited visa overstay rates and institutional weaknesses in Syria. “Syria is emerging from a protracted period of civil unrest and internal strife,” the White House stated, noting the lack of an adequate central authority to issue passports and insufficient screening and vetting mechanisms.
The move comes despite Trump’s earlier public pledge to backing Syria’s stability following landmark talks in November with Syrian Transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. Trump had said he would do “everything he could” to help Syria succeed after years of war and isolation. However, tensions escalated again after a deadly attack in the Palmyra region, where two U. Additionally, s. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed by a suspected Islamic State attacker.
Trump later vowed “very severe retaliation,” describing the incident as a “terrible” attack. The United States maintains a armed forces presence in parts of Syria as part of the Global Coalition against Islamic State. The Palmyra attack renewed debate in Washington over security risks tied to Syria, influencing policy decisions amid shifting U. S. -Syrian political engagement. By Jwan Shekaki
Comments are closed.