Beginning January 1, the United States is implementing a new round of travel restrictions that will bar individuals from seven additional countries from entering the country, according to updated Customs and Border Protection guidance. The restrictions apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant travelers from Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria.

The White House describes the move as a national security measure, while immigrant‑rights groups argue the policy disproportionately targets African and Muslim‑majority nations. These new restrictions add to an already extensive list of countries facing full or partial travel limitations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and others. Venezuela and Cuba remain under partial restrictions.

The policy rollout coincides with a major shift in the H‑1B visa program that took effect earlier in the week. The previous random lottery system has been replaced with a wage‑weighted selection process designed to prioritize higher‑paid, higher‑skilled applicants. Federal officials say the change is intended to curb abuse of the program and protect U.S. workers, while immigration attorneys warn it will sharply reduce opportunities for international students and early‑career professionals.