June 16, 2025: A New Travel Ban is on the Horizon for Additional Countries

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“Such a move would represent another escalation of the Trump administration's aggressive stance on ‘BLACK’ immigration.”

“If only Black folks can get their act together!”

— Source: YAME Digital

A new travel ban is being proposed that could affect additional countries.

On June 16, the U.S. State Department, in an internal memo reviewed by The Washington Post, indicated that it is considering adding 36 more countries to a list that might face visa bans or other restrictions. This list includes 25 African nations, such as significant U.S. partners like Egypt and Djibouti, as well as Nigeria, along with countries in the Caribbean, Central Asia, and several Pacific Island nations.

The internal memo sets a 60-day deadline for these targeted nations to meet specific requirements; otherwise, they may face a full or partial entry ban. Such a move would represent another escalation of the Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration.

The memo, which was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent Saturday to U.S. diplomats who work with the countries, said the governments of listed nations were being given 60 days to meet new benchmarks and requirements established by the State Department. It set a deadline of 8 A.M. Wednesday for them to provide an initial action plan for meeting the requirements.

The cable was first reported by the Washington Post

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In accordance with the presidential proclamation, the U.S. Embassy has suspended issuance of tourist, business, student, and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas (categories B, F, M, and J) to nationals of Sierra Leone and can only issue immigrant visas for immediate family members of U.S. Citizens (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) or adoption (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4) to nationals of Sierra Leone.

Trump signs proclamation to ban travel from several countries

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REUTERS: Trump administration weighs adding 36 countries to travel ban, memo says

By Humeyra Pamuk | June 16, 2025 5:44 AM EDT

WASHINGTON, June 15 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is considering significantly expanding its travel restrictions by potentially banning citizens of 36 additional countries from entering the United States, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters.

Earlier this month, the Republican president signed a proclamation that banned the entry of citizens from 12 countries, saying the move was needed to protect the United States against "foreign terrorists" and other national security threats.

The directive was part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members, as well as efforts to deny enrollment of some foreign students from U.S. universities and deport others.

In an internal diplomatic cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department outlined a dozen concerns about the countries in question and sought corrective action.

"The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days," the cable sent out over the weekend said.

The cable was first reported by the Washington Post.

Among the concerns the State Department raised was the lack of a competent or cooperative government by some of the countries mentioned to produce reliable identity documents, the cable said. Another was "questionable security" of that country's passport.

Some countries, the cable said, were not cooperative in facilitating the removal of their nationals from the United States who were ordered to be removed. Some countries were overstaying the U.S. visas that their citizens were being granted.

[1/2] U.S. President Donald Trump stands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he prepares to depart for Hagerstown, Maryland, at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, U.S., June 8, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Other reasons for concern were that the nationals of the country were involved in acts of terrorism in the United States, or antisemitic and anti-American activity.

The cable noted that not all of these concerns pertained to every country listed.

"We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws," a senior State Department official said, declining to comment on specific internal deliberations and communications.

"The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process," the official said.

The countries that could face a full or a partial ban if they do not address these concerns within the next 60 days are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

That would be a significant expansion of the ban that came into effect earlier this month. The countries affected were Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The entry of people from seven other countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela - has also been partially restricted.

During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk Editing by Bill Berkrot

Humeyra Pamuk is a senior foreign policy correspondent based in Washington, DC. She covers the U.S. State Department, regularly traveling with the U.S. Secretary of State. During her 20 years with Reuters, she has had postings in London, Dubai, Cairo, and Turkey, covering everything from the Arab Spring and Syria's civil war to numerous Turkish elections and the Kurdish insurgency in the southeast. In 2017, she won the Knight-Bagehot fellowship program at Columbia University’s School of Journalism. She holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in European Union studies.

ICE Chicago Removes Sierra Leonean Convicted of Visa Fraud

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the removal of Prince Solomon Knox, a 62-year-old Sierra Leonean national, which took place on March 1st. Knox was arrested by ICE in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 4th, following previous convictions for visa fraud and domestic assault. He had also lied in his U.S. visa residency application about his past affiliations with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Knox has been deported back to Freetown, Sierra Leone.

March 5, 2025 * St. Louis, MO * Enforcement and Removal

ICE Chicago removes Sierra Leonean convicted of visa fraud

The man was associated with Revolutionary United Front in Western Africa

ST. LOUIS – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement completed the removal of Prince Solomon Knox, 62, a Sierra Leonean national, to his home country March 1. Knox was arrested by ICE in St. Louis Feb. 4; he has previous convictions for visa fraud and domestic assault after lying about his prior affiliation with armed terrorist groups.

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Enforcement and Removal

ICE Chicago removes Sierra Leonean convicted of visa fraud

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Knox entered the U.S. at Chicago O’Hare International Airport April 14, 2004, and came to the attention of ICE in 2006 through an investigation involving allegations of fraud by ineligible combatants or imposter refugees to participate in the refugee resettlement program. The investigation revealed witnesses who provided testimony about involvement with multiple combatant groups in Western Africa, including the Revolutionary United Front, a group that made extensive use of child soldiers while committing acts such as amputating the hands, arms, and legs of tens of thousands of Sierra Leoneans using machetes.

“Foreign nationals, from any country, cannot be allowed to abuse the visa system and migrate to the U.S. fraudulently,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson. “This is an example of someone not only attempting to escape responsibility in their home country but also depriving those in the global community of the opportunity to seek desperately needed relief.”

The investigation resulted in a federal grand jury indicting Knox on two counts of visa fraud and two counts of false statements, and ICE arrested him Dec. 21, 2006. Knox was convicted June 20, 2007, by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and sentenced to twelve months incarceration.

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READ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)

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An immigration judge ordered Knox removed June 6, 2008, while in custody, and he was later placed under an order of supervision pending removal.

Updated: 03/05/2025

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RELATED PUBLIC RECORDS

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Case Details: Full title: PRINCE SOLOMON KNOX, A# xxx-xx1-508, Petitioner, v. DAMON ACUFF | Court: UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS | Date published: Oct 5, 2020

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Decision Date 02 September 2008 | Docket Number No. 07-2552.,07-2552 | Citation 540 F.3d 708 | Parties UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Prince S. KNOX, Defendant-Appellant | Court U.S. Court of Appeals — Seventh Circuit

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Foreign Nationals Spotted Jumping Out Of A Moving Bus After Allegedly Being Deported

Extreme measures to avoid being repatriated to their homeland

Heist.money | Opera

The fear exhibited by these Nigerian immigrants is rooted in the harsh living conditions and limited opportunities that they perceive in their home country.

A distressing incident has come to light in South Africa, where Nigerian immigrants facing deportation resort to extreme measures to avoid being repatriated to their homeland. Reports suggest that some Nigerians have resorted to jumping out of moving buses while being transported to the airport for deportation. This desperate act reflects the immense fear and hardship these individuals associated with returning to Nigeria, a country struggling with various challenges. The incident has sparked concern and highlights the complexities surrounding migration and asylum-seeking in both South Africa and Nigeria.

Extreme measures to avoid being repatriated to their homeland

South Africa has historically been a popular destination for African immigrants seeking better economic opportunities and a safer environment. Among these migrants, Nigerians constitute a significant proportion. However, in recent years, the South African government has faced pressure to address immigration concerns and curb illegal immigration, leading to more stringent deportation measures.

The fear exhibited by these Nigerian immigrants is rooted in the harsh living conditions and limited opportunities that they perceive in their home country. Nigeria has grappled with political instability, widespread corruption, economic challenges, and security issues for many years. The lack of adequate infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and poverty further exacerbate the difficulties faced by its citizens.

The incident of Nigerian immigrants jumping out of a moving bus in South Africa highlights the complexities of migration and asylum-seeking.

For many Nigerians who have sought refuge in South Africa, the prospect of returning to their homeland means encountering these hardships once again. The fear of facing persecution, economic hardship, or even danger from criminal elements upon their return has driven some to take desperate measures to avoid deportation.

The incident also brings to light potential challenges within the asylum-seeking process in South Africa. Asylum seekers are individuals fleeing persecution or life-threatening situations in their home countries, and they have the right to seek protection by international law. However, the asylum process can be complex, often requiring individuals to provide substantial evidence of their claims, which may be difficult for some to obtain. Delays in processing applications can leave many uncertain of their fate.

Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the asylum process is fair and transparent, free from prejudice or discrimination. Mistreatment or abuses faced by some asylum seekers may deter others from seeking legitimate protection.

To tackle the issue effectively, South Africa and Nigeria must work collaboratively to address the root causes of migration and hardships faced by Nigerian immigrants -It involves improving living conditions, economic prospects, and security in Nigeria; so its citizens are less compelled to seek refuge elsewhere.

On the other hand, South Africa needs to ensure that its immigration policies and deportation procedures align with international human rights standards. Treating all migrants, including those facing deportation, with dignity and respect is crucial to fostering an inclusive society.

The incident of Nigerian immigrants jumping out of a moving bus in South Africa highlights the complexities of migration and asylum-seeking in the region. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues in Nigeria while ensuring fair and humane treatment of immigrants in South Africa. Collaboration between the two countries, with support from the international community, is vital in finding lasting solutions to these challenges. Ultimately fostering an environment of understanding and empathy can contribute to a more compassionate approach towards those seeking refuge and a better life.

A Rock And A Hard Place

With a philosophy of maximum cruelty

By Angela Brooks

In this year's presidential election, the immigration issues, and the horrific treatment of migrants will be central. Our collective psyche indelibly scarred by the horrific images of migrant children in cages, family separation, and the intolerable conditions at the southern border. Caught in this transnational vortex are many African migrants whose plight has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.

African migrants hoping to reach the US

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Cutting off much-needed aid to countries in Central America and Africa has only magnified the problem. If the Trump administration thought its actions would stem the migrant tide allied with the philosophy of maximum cruelty, it has proven to be inept and chaotic. These refugees fled their home nations for a myriad of reasons, including war, poverty, and economic opportunity. However, the reality for many has been a nightmare. Instead of reaching American utopia, their dreams have stalled as detainees in Mexican migrant camps.

The squalid conditions have engendered new threats against African migrants trying to survive a hostile environment.

Apart from the language barrier, migrants face overt racism, violence, and threats from human traffickers.

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Congresswoman Karen Bass | Representing California 37th District

In late 2019, a California Representative Karen Bass led a delegation to the Mexican border, where she highlighted the plight of this downtrodden class. We can only hope that the congresswoman’s fierce activism changes the narrative of the public perception of this crisis.