Biden Extends COVID-19 Travel Restrictions, Ends Muslim Ban
WASHINGTON — January 26, 2021 — In his first week in office, President Joe Biden has taken decisive action on U.S. travel policy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by extending coronavirus-related travel restrictions on several countries while simultaneously repealing the controversial Muslim travel ban implemented by the previous administration.
Biden’s presidential proclamation, effective January 30, 2021, bans entry for most non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in South Africa, where a new COVID-19 variant has been identified. This move adds South Africa to the list of countries already subject to travel restrictions, including most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil. These restrictions were initially imposed last year but were briefly set to be lifted by former President Donald Trump just days before leaving office. Biden reversed that decision, citing the emergence of more contagious variants of the virus worldwide.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki emphasized the rationale behind the extended restrictions, stating, “With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel.”
The travel ban applies to most non-U.S. citizens who have been in the affected countries within the last 14 days. However, exceptions exist for lawful permanent residents, noncitizen nationals, and noncitizens married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, among others. Biden has also directed the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure compliance by preventing those subject to the ban from boarding U.S.-bound flights and removing violators.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified nearly 300 cases of the UK variant in over 20 states, and the first confirmed U.S. case of the Brazil variant was detected in Minnesota in a traveler returning from Brazil. While the South African variant has not yet been detected in the U.S., officials remain cautious due to its potential impact.
In addition to these COVID-19-related travel restrictions, Biden signed a proclamation repealing the Trump administration’s Muslim travel ban, which had barred entry from several predominantly Muslim and African countries, including Libya, Iran, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, and Nigeria. Biden described the ban as “a stain on our national conscience” and “just plain wrong,” directing the State Department to resume visa processing for affected countries.
During a press briefing, Psaki addressed questions about the apparent contrast between Biden’s extension of COVID-19 travel restrictions and Trump’s earlier criticism of travel bans. She clarified that Biden opposed the Muslim ban on grounds of xenophobia but supported comprehensive pandemic-related travel restrictions. Psaki noted, “[Biden] was critical of the former president for having a policy that was not more comprehensive than travel restrictions,” and emphasized the administration’s multifaceted approach, including mask-wearing and vaccine distribution efforts.
Background
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has implemented various travel restrictions aimed at curbing the virus’s spread. The Trump administration imposed bans on travelers from China early in the pandemic and later expanded restrictions to include European countries and Brazil. In 2017, Trump also enacted a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, which faced widespread criticism and legal challenges.
The emergence of new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa has complicated efforts to reopen borders safely. The Biden administration’s decision to extend travel restrictions reflects concerns about these variants’ potential to exacerbate the pandemic in the U.S., where over 400,000 deaths have been reported.
Why It Matters
Biden’s travel policy decisions underscore the administration’s prioritization of public health amid a worsening pandemic and the emergence of new virus variants. By extending travel restrictions on countries with identified variants, the administration aims to reduce the risk of further spread within the U.S., protecting strained healthcare resources.
Simultaneously, repealing the Muslim travel ban signals a shift toward more inclusive immigration policies and addresses concerns about discrimination and xenophobia associated with the previous administration’s approach. This dual strategy reflects an effort to balance public health imperatives with commitments to equity and human rights.
As the U.S. continues its vaccination campaign, these travel restrictions and policy reversals will play a critical role in shaping the country’s pandemic response and international relations in the months ahead.
Source: Original Report
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