U.S. bans travel from 20 more nations and entities

by · UPI

Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Travel restrictions for 20 more nations and locales took effect on Thursday in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 16 order expanding travel restrictions to 39 nations.

President Donald Trump has restricted travel from a total of 39 nations and entities due to deficiencies in their respective screening and vetting processes that make it difficult to protect the United States against public safety and national security threats.

"The United States government has identified additional countries that are unable to meet basic criteria for identifying their nationals and residents who may pose national security and public safety risks, or for sharing necessary information with the United States," U.S. Customs and Immigration Services officials announced on Thursday.

"It is paramount that the United States government ensure aliens in the United States do not intend to threaten its citizens or undermine or destabilize its culture, government, institutions, or founding principles," USCIS added.

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"Entry will not be granted to aliens who advocate for, aid or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security or public safety."

A dozen high-risk nations identified by the White House are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, and their citizens are fully restricted from traveling to the United States.

Another five nations, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, plus anyone holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, also are subject to full restrictions on U.S. travel.

Full restrictions also are in effect for travelers from Laos and Sierra Leone, which previously were subjected to partial restrictions.

Prior to the Dec. 16 order, 19 nations were subject to travel restrictions, but the president added the 19 additional nations and the Palestinian Authority amid ongoing violence and recent revelations of fraud.

Some exceptions to the travel bans are allowed for diplomats and athletes competing on teams that are participating in the Olympics, FIFA World Cup and other events.