Somalis living in Kenya have voiced frustration and disappointment over a new U.S. policy that blocks nationals from Somalia and six other African countries from traveling to the United States. The ban, which takes effect on Monday, June 9, targets Somalia, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya, and Eritrea.
Although not fully prohibited, travelers from Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Togo will now face stricter entry requirements under the revised rules.
The African Union on Thursday urged the U.S. government to open “constructive dialogue” with the nations impacted by the policy, calling for diplomacy over isolation.
President Donald Trump defended the travel restrictions by linking them to a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, arguing that the incident highlights the risks of visa overstays. However, critics point out that the suspect in that attack was from Egypt — a country not included in the ban.
In response to the policy, Chad has already enacted retaliatory measures by suspending visa services for American citizens, citing national dignity and reciprocity.
