The White House significantly escalated its “America First” immigration agenda Tuesday, expanding the United States’ travel ban to include Palestine, Syria, and five other nations. The move brings the total number of countries facing full or partial entry restrictions to nearly 40, marking one of the most sweeping border crackdowns in modern U.S. history.
Under the new proclamation, which takes effect January 1, 2026, the administration has imposed full travel bans on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. It also targets individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents. Additionally, Laos and Sierra Leone—previously under partial restrictions—have been moved to the full-ban list.
The administration justified the expansion as a necessary response to “severe deficiencies” in security vetting and information sharing. Officials specifically cited the recent killing of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., an incident the White House has used to trigger a “permanent pause” on migration from what it characterizes as high-risk regions.
Regarding Palestine, the order avoids using the name “Palestine” or “occupied territories.” Instead, it refers to “individuals attempting to travel on PA-issued or endorsed travel documents.” The White House claimed that recent conflict in the region has compromised screening abilities, leaving the U.S. unable to properly vet travelers.
The inclusion of Syria comes at a complex diplomatic moment. Despite a recent visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House and the lifting of some economic sanctions, the administration maintains that the country lacks a “central authority” capable of issuing reliable civil documents.
The move has sparked immediate and fierce condemnation from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American in Congress, accused the administration of “racist cruelty,” claiming the policy is designed to alter the nation’s demographics. “Trump and Stephen Miller won’t be satisfied until our country has the demographics of a Klan rally,” Tlaib said in a statement.
In contrast, top administration officials have doubled down on the rhetoric. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard defended the restrictions, describing “Islamism” as a primary threat to national security. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) went further, labeling Islam a “cult” and telling supporters the U.S. must “send them home” to prevent the creation of a “United Caliphate of America.”
Beyond the full bans, the proclamation adds partial restrictions to 15 other nations, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean. While lawful permanent residents and certain diplomats remain exempt, the order notably narrows previous carve-outs for the immediate family members of U.S. citizens, a change that legal advocates warn will separate families indefinitely.
