President Trump expanded US travel bans to 39 countries, including Syria, several African nations, and Palestinian Authority territories, citing security concerns and issues with document verification, with new restrictions starting January 1, 2026.
The article discusses President Donald Trump's executive orders and proclamations aimed at restricting and limiting the entry of foreign nationals from certain countries to protect U.S. security, citing deficiencies in screening, vetting, and recordkeeping in those countries, and detailing specific restrictions and exceptions.
Japan plans to require new property owners to disclose their nationality in the real estate registry from fiscal 2026 to monitor foreign ownership, as part of security measures, though disclosure is not mandatory for purchasing property.
Amnesty International reports that Saudi Arabia has executed nearly 600 foreigners for drug offenses over the past decade, with a recent surge in executions after a temporary halt, raising concerns over unfair trials, exploitation, and human rights abuses, prompting calls for international pressure.
The proclamation by President Donald Trump restricts entry into the U.S. for nationals from certain countries due to inadequate vetting and security concerns, imposing full or partial suspensions on visas from countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, among others, to protect national security and public safety.
The US will impose visa bans on foreign nationals responsible for censoring Americans or threatening social media posts on US soil, as announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targeting officials who regulate US tech companies or engage in censorship beyond their authority.
Six foreign nationals were found dead at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok, prompting an urgent investigation by Thai authorities. The incident, which did not involve a shooting, comes as Thailand aims to boost its tourism sector, a crucial part of its economy.
Hamas' attempts to smuggle wounded terrorists out of Gaza have caused delays in evacuating foreign nationals, including Americans, from the war-torn region. Hamas initially refused to allow anyone to leave, but later agreed to let foreign nationals depart in exchange for wounded Palestinians being allowed to leave as well. However, it was discovered that a third of the wounded Palestinians on the list provided by Hamas were members of the terrorist group. Qatar and Egypt played crucial roles in negotiating with Hamas. So far, 74 US citizens have been able to leave Gaza, with more expected to follow. The urgency to evacuate increased as Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza, resulting in casualties.
The FBI is investigating whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with a Brooklyn-based construction company to funnel foreign money into the campaign through "straw contributors" from the Turkish-American community. The investigation focuses on illegal contributions from foreign nationals, which were allegedly disguised as donations from American citizens. FBI agents executed search warrants at multiple locations, including the home of Adams' chief fundraiser. Adams has emphasized his compliance with rules and procedures and canceled a trip to Washington, DC, to address the campaign issue.
After weeks of intensive negotiations, a breakthrough was reached allowing an initial group of foreign nationals, including US citizens, to depart Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. Qatar played a key role in brokering the deal between Israel, Egypt, and Hamas. The negotiations were immensely complicated, involving Hamas' control of Gaza, Israel's blockade and bombing, and Egyptian security concerns. The agreement is seen as a critical first step in getting thousands of foreign nationals out of the war-torn strip, with optimism that hundreds more will be able to depart in the coming days.
Hundreds of foreign nationals and critically injured people have been allowed to leave Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, marking the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began that people trapped inside Gaza have been permitted to exit. The list of approved individuals included nearly 500 foreigners, most of whom were citizens of eight countries or associated with NGOs. However, many foreign nationals who were not on the list were turned away at the border gate. The Gaza border crossing authority plans to allow additional groups of foreigners and other people to exit Gaza in the coming days.
Hundreds of foreign nationals remain stranded in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes intensify and ground operations expand. Efforts to evacuate civilians have been hindered by Hamas' control of the enclave, Israel's blockade and bombing, and Egyptian security concerns. Negotiations are ongoing to establish safe zones and open the Rafah border crossing, but progress has been slow. The situation has become more dire for those trapped in Gaza, with communication lines down and fears of nowhere being safe. The US is working to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas and hopes to reach a deal to allow US citizens to evacuate through Egypt. However, complications arise from Hamas' control, the lack of administering force in Gaza, and the need for proper documentation for foreign nationals. Egypt is cautious about accepting a flood of refugees and wants humanitarian aid to reach Gaza first.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that if elected president, he would cancel student visas and deport foreign nationals who express support for Hamas, following the recent attacks on Israel. DeSantis made these remarks at a campaign event in Iowa, where he also discussed his plans to remove foreign nationals attending U.S. colleges and universities who endorse Hamas. Fellow Republican presidential candidate Senator Tim Scott also voiced his support for Israel and stated that he would withhold Pell Grants from universities that fail to address antisemitism on their campuses. DeSantis has been actively condemning Hamas' attack on Israel and has taken steps to assist Floridians stranded in Israel. Other Republican lawmakers have also called for the cancellation of visas and deportation of foreign nationals who support Hamas.
Iran has blamed the ISIL armed group for a second attack on the Shah Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz and has arrested a group of foreign nationals in connection with the assault. The lone gunman, identified as Rahmatollah Nowruzof from Tajikistan, entered the shrine and opened fire, killing one person and injuring several others. Iranian officials believe the motivation behind the attack was revenge for the execution of two terrorists involved in a previous incident. Ten people have been arrested so far, all of whom are foreign nationals, and a safe house has been discovered. Iran has vowed to give a decisive response to the terrorists.
Prosecutors have filed new evidence in the case of Jack Teixeira, the Air National Guard member accused of mishandling and disseminating national security information. The evidence suggests that Teixeira shared sensitive secrets with foreign nationals and had raised concern among his co-workers in the months before he was charged. Teixeira is scheduled to appear in court Friday where U.S. magistrate judge David Hennessy plans to rule on whether Teixeira should remain behind bars while awaiting trial.