DAMASCUS – A new executive order signed by the US President imposing stricter entry requirements for citizens of several countries, including Syria, has sparked widespread debate across Syrian social media platforms. The order, enacted Tuesday, places comprehensive restrictions on travelers from Syria, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It also includes a complete ban on individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
The move has generated mixed reactions, with some observers viewing it as a technically driven decision related to concerns about Syrian documentation and the prevalence of forgery during the Assad regime. Allegations persist that thousands of passports and documents were distributed to members of Iranian militias and other designated terrorist factions that supported the former Syrian President.
“From a personal perspective,” one commentator stated, “this decision is negative and contradicts the recent US move to lift the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria. It sends a direct message that the country is still unsafe or, at least, lacks a central, controlling authority.” The commenter highlighted the perceived contradiction between easing economic pressure and simultaneously restricting travel.
Conversely, others argue that the White House’s imposition of a complete ban on Syrian entry to the United States is not surprising. They maintain that the accompanying explanation adequately clarifies the reasoning behind the decision, suggesting it is unrelated to any recent events, and has been under consideration for some time, specifically following a shooting incident targeting National Guard personnel during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Some argue that unrealistic expectations promoted by members of the Syrian diaspora in the US may have contributed to the perception that the American administration’s stance toward Syria is volatile or unclear. Others emphasize that Syria, emerging from a 14-year war, needs to reorganize its affairs, and that this decision could serve as an incentive for the new Syrian government to strengthen its central authority across all territories, improve the living standards of its citizens, and create broader avenues for economic cooperation.
