Trump signs executive order banning residents of the Palestinian Authority from entering the US

On Tuesday, December 16, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation expanding and tightening restrictions on travel into the United States from countries that have “persistent and serious” problems with screening, inspections and information sharing. This is stated in a statement from the White House.

The blanket ban on visiting the United States remains in place for citizens of 12 countries covered by the previous proclamation, and five more countries have been added to the list: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria.

In addition, a complete ban is imposed on persons entering on travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

The White House also says that partial restrictions remain in place for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela, and 15 more states have been added to the list of partial restrictions (including Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania). It is separately noted that for Turkmenistan, restrictions on some non-immigrant visas are lifted, but the suspension of entry for immigrants remains.

The publication emphasizes that the proclamation provides for exceptions – in particular for permanent residents of the United States, holders of valid visas, a number of categories (for example, athletes and diplomats), as well as in cases where entry is in the national interests of the United States; however, it is reported that some “family” exceptions will be narrowed while individual decisions on applications are maintained.