According to reports, Donald Trump’s administration is dangerously attempting to add to its travel ban list. They should expand to 36 new countries, primarily in Africa. Consequently, Trump singled out Nigeria’s significant oil and gas reserves in a presidential memo. This new factor may weigh against Nigeria’s inclusion in the new restrictions. African leaders and citizens—including many who have developed close relationships with the United States—are concerned over the proposed cut. That state of affairs has raised alarm throughout the continent.
The travel ban in which we are engaged addresses the fear of restrictive immigration purposed by national security. It narrowly focuses only on countries with the highest rates of visa overstays and least cooperation in terms of accepting their deported nationals. His past proclamations had revealed him to be willing to go extreme on immigration to punish those undocumented individuals. For example, this meant implementing travel bans for seven African countries.
Countries at Risk of Inclusion
The bigger list being considered for expansion would include 36 countries, 26 of which would be in Africa. Joining them on the list are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde and Cameroon. It includes Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. This expansion would subject additional travel to greater scrutiny when traveling to the United States. Consequently, 36 of 54 African countries could end up being held to additional scrutiny.
The president’s obsession with visa overstays was present in Trump’s introduction. He’s equally maddened by unhelpful countries’ refusal to accept back their citizens the US deports. In early June, his administration had already listed Sierra Leone as a country of concern due to its long-standing refusal to take back deportees.
“I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to US citizens.” – Idriss Deby
It could eventually affect about two million immigrants from African countries who already live in the United States. For many, this worry is compounded by the thought that a ban would outright freeze their capacity to travel. Those who lack naturalized status may find themselves on unsure ground should they leave the United States at any point.
The Economic Implications
In addition to security concerns, Trump’s administration has shown interest in securing deals for rare earth minerals essential for manufacturing technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles. Analysts point to Africa’s vast natural resources as the biggest attraction for U.S. interests. In fact, they warn, restricting travel would put new and important economic relationships at risk.
“Africa, particularly, is important to the United States as it is a site of natural resources, a growing market, and a talented population,” – Sarang Shidore
The African Union has warned that a travel ban would have serious wider consequences. They call for increased debate and collaboration between the United States and African countries rather than imposed limitations.
“The African Union respectfully calls upon the US Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.” – African Union
The loss of such an important trade partner would hurt diplomatic relations. It will limit trade opportunities between Africa and the United States. Many leaders have expressed concern that this federal policy change is likely to result in missed opportunities within a region full of potential for investment.
Responses from Affected Nations
Now, countries from across Africa have started speaking out on Trump’s proposed travel ban. Somalia’s ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan, emphasized his country’s willingness to work collaboratively with the United States to resolve any issues raised by the administration.
“Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised,” – Dahir Hassan
Leaders of other countries and their negotiating coalitions have repeatedly called out their exasperation with the zero sum attitude of the U.S. government. As Chernor Bah of the Global Youth Mobilization shared, sustained collaboration is essential for keeping those connections strong and deepening relationships with American partners.
“Our attitude to this is, what more can we do? How can we collaborate with our US partners, with whom we have and believe will maintain a very good relationship,” – Chernor Bah
Debates on instituting a new travel ban continue. This new top-down approach to building has left many citizens feeling lost about what their future holds in the U.S. Michelle Mittelstadt highlights that many non-naturalized citizens experience legal barriers to travel. They can find it harder to apply for visas in the first place.
“For citizens of these countries living in the US who are not naturalised citizens, the travel ban most likely will freeze them in place, as many will be fearful that they might not be permitted re-entry if they leave the US temporarily.” – Michelle Mittelstadt
