Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

US Travel Ban on Tonga Sparks Concerns for Students

1/16/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Center

US Imposes Tonga Ban

The United States imposes a Tonga travel ban effective January 1, 2026, as part of a 75-country suspension citing national security concerns and overstays.
The ban applies to new arrivals but does not affect current visa holders.
Tongan students at BYU-Hawaii cannot return home or bring family for events.
Educational institutions monitor the situation and provide mental health resources.
Local leader Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou supports the ban.

Right

US Travel Ban Backlash

The United States faces backlash over travel bans affecting fans from Iran, Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented these bans, which could prevent fans from attending matches.
Senegal fan Djibril Gueye criticized the United States for hosting the tournament while restricting access.
Team coach Emerse Faé expressed hope that solutions will be found to allow fans to attend.

Left

US Suspends Visas

The United States will suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting January 21, 2026.
Visitors and short-term visa holders are not affected.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration previously tightened immigration rules, including a travel ban on 12 countries and the lowest refugee admissions cap.
By December 2025, over 605,000 people were deported, yielding a net negative immigration rate for the first time in 50 years.

1 of 3

US Imposes Tonga Ban

The United States imposes a Tonga travel ban effective January 1, 2026, as part of a 75-country suspension citing national security concerns and overstays.
The ban applies to new arrivals but does not affect current visa holders.
Tongan students at BYU-Hawaii cannot return home or bring family for events.
Educational institutions monitor the situation and provide mental health resources.
Local leader Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou supports the ban.

1 / 3