Published : 17-12-2025
United States | Action Group
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation imposing strict restrictions on entry to the US for citizens of several countries, including Syria, and for holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The White House stated that this move was taken to "protect US national security."
The proclamation clarified that the decision includes exceptions for legal permanent residents (green card holders), holders of valid visas, and specific categories such as diplomats, athletes, and inpiduals whose entry serves "US national interests," with the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
The proclamation justified the inclusion of Syrian citizens by stating that Syria still lacks a sufficiently effective central authority to issue passports or civil documents and does not possess adequate screening and vetting measures. It also noted that Syrians from various categories overstay their visas.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the proclamation stated that it cannot satisfactorily vet travel documents, as the war has weakened screening and vetting capabilities, and the Authority exercises little to no control in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The announcement narrows the scope of exceptions granted for family reunification-based immigration visas, deeming them to have "proven fraud risks," while maintaining the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
United States | Action Group
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation imposing strict restrictions on entry to the US for citizens of several countries, including Syria, and for holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The White House stated that this move was taken to "protect US national security."
The proclamation clarified that the decision includes exceptions for legal permanent residents (green card holders), holders of valid visas, and specific categories such as diplomats, athletes, and inpiduals whose entry serves "US national interests," with the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
The proclamation justified the inclusion of Syrian citizens by stating that Syria still lacks a sufficiently effective central authority to issue passports or civil documents and does not possess adequate screening and vetting measures. It also noted that Syrians from various categories overstay their visas.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the proclamation stated that it cannot satisfactorily vet travel documents, as the war has weakened screening and vetting capabilities, and the Authority exercises little to no control in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The announcement narrows the scope of exceptions granted for family reunification-based immigration visas, deeming them to have "proven fraud risks," while maintaining the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
