U.S. President Donald Trump has significantly expanded a controversial travel and immigration ban, adding the Palestinian Authority and Syria to a list of countries facing new restrictions for entry into the United States.
New Restrictions Target Documents from Conflict Zones
The presidential proclamation, issued on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, imposes a ban on anyone attempting to enter the U.S. with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority or Syria. This move expands existing full and partial bans from 19 to 27 countries, with a focus on nations in Africa and now the Palestinian Authority.
In the proclamation, President Trump justified the decision by pointing to security challenges. "The recent war in these areas likely resulted in compromised vetting and screening abilities," he stated, specifically regarding the Palestinian Authority. The document further notes that several U.S.-designated terrorist groups operate actively in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and have been responsible for the deaths of American citizens.
Rationale: Inadequate Security Vetting and Information Sharing
The expansion follows a determination by top U.S. security officials—including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Homeland Security Secretary, and Director of National Intelligence. They concluded that the newly listed entities "cannot meet basic criteria" for identifying nationals who pose security threats and for sharing crucial information with American authorities.
The proclamation cites specific examples of instability, noting that in one country, only 40% of the territory is under full government control, hampering secure processing of non-citizens. It also references nations where radical groups operate with minimal law enforcement interference due to undermined governments.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the order highlights the "weak or nonexistent control" exercised over certain areas, concluding that individuals using PA-issued documents cannot be properly vetted for U.S. entry at this time.
Scope of the Ban and Notable Exceptions
The restrictions apply to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas. However, the order includes provisions for case-by-case exceptions and waivers. These exemptions cover:
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States.
- Dual citizens traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country.
- Athletes and staff participating in major international sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup.
Other countries newly subjected to a full ban include South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Nations such as Laos, Cuba, and Venezuela saw their status change from partial to full restrictions. In a positive development, Turkmenistan had its non-immigrant travel ban lifted after demonstrating significant progress in identity management and cooperation with U.S. officials.
This latest action represents a continued focus on immigration and national security by the Trump administration, reigniting debates over border control and diplomatic relations with affected regions.
