The Haitian government has voiced disappointment over a new travel ban announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which will bar Haitian nationals—along with citizens from 11 other countries—from entering the United States starting Monday, June 9.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Haitian government said, “this decision comes at a time when the Haitian government is striving, with the support of its international partners, to combat insecurity and strengthen border security.”
While acknowledging that the U.S. has the sovereign right to determine its immigration policies, the ministry cautioned against the implications of the ban on bilateral relations. “The ministry draws attention to the danger po sed by armed gangs, recently designated terrorist groups, to Haiti’s relations with other countries,” the statement noted.
President Trump announced the travel ban on Wednesday, citing national security concerns. The travel restriction applies to individuals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Haiti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additional restrictions were also placed on travelers from Cuba, Venezuela, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan.
In a White House proclamation, Trump stated, “the restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are, in my judgment, necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the United States Government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States.”
He further claimed the ban is intended to “garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.”
Specifically referencing Haiti, the proclamation accuses the Biden administration of allowing “hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens” into the country, a move Trump said “harms American communities.” During his presidential campaign, Trump made inflammatory claims without evidence, stating, “In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. They’re eating – they are eating the pets of the people that live there.”
The Haitian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the repercussions of the decision on Haitian families both in Haiti and the diaspora. It emphasized that the ban does include some exceptions, such as lawful permanent residents of the U.S., holders of valid visas issued before the ban’s effective date, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and specific humanitarian cases, including adopted children of American citizens.
Despite the setback, the Haitian government said it remains committed to continued dialogue with Washington. “The Haitian Government intends to continue dialogue and cooperation with Washington on security and migration policy,” the ministry affirmed.
