Airports around the world could soon be the scene of new scenes of confusion and uncertainty. According to various media reportsthe Trump administration is reportedly preparing to unveil a new salvo of travel restrictions to the United States, already prompting strong reactions and major questions about formalities for travelers of certain nationalities.
Concordant sources from New York Times and of Reutersquoted by Investment Migration Insider And Middle East EyeThe list includes more than 40 countries that could be affected by these measures. These potential restrictions would be divided into 3 distinct categories:
- A "red list🔴 including nations whose citizens would be imposed a total suspension of visas. According to Middle East EyeThis list could include countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba and North Korea.
- A "orange list🟠 for countries where travel to the United States would be severely restrictedThis could have an impact on tourist, student and immigration visas. Mandatory face-to-face visa interviews would also be considered for citizens of these countries. Pakistan and Russia are among the nations mentioned for this category.
- A "yellow list🟡 grouping together countries that would have a period of 60 days to respond to US safety concerns. In the absence of improvements deemed sufficient, these nations could be moved to the red or amber lists.
The reasons for these new restrictions, although not officially communicated by Washington, appear to be linked to concerns about the sharing of traveler information, the security of passport-issuing procedures, and the sale of citizenship to people from countries already under US embargo.. Eight countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs would be particularly targeted.
Four Caribbean nations offering CBI programs - Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia - are on this "yellow list". The governments of these islands were quick to react, assuring us that they had received no official communication from the United States.
The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Dr Terrance DrewIn his speech, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment underlined his government's ongoing collaboration with US authorities to reform its CBI program. Likewise, Gaston BrownePrime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, was optimistic that there was no objective justification for a travel restriction for his country.
For travelers from potentially affected countries, these announcements augur significantly more complex formalities. In addition to the possibility of an outright ban on travel to the U.S. for some, others could face important restrictions on the type of visa that they can obtain, as well as longer, more rigorous visa application proceduresincluding mandatory interviews.
Uncertainty also hangs over the fate of green card holders (permanent residents) from the target countries. As the Middle East EyeUnder the first version of the "Muslim ban" in 2017, these residents were temporarily prevented from entering the United States. In fact, immigration lawyers are advising affected green card holders to postpone any travel outside the US until the new policies are confirmed.
While the direct economic impact on the U.S. tourism sector could be limited, representing around 1.4% of visitors in 2024 according to Skiftthe long-term geopolitical and economic consequences could be considerable. These measures could mark the beginning of an era of tighter border controls worldwide.
With the full report and final list of affected countries expected this week, travelers in the nations cited are holding their breath, aware that their travel plans and ties to the U.S. could be affected by this new migratory turn of events.
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