The small Pacific nation of Tonga is among several countries facing new visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, effective January 1. This decision has sparked anger and concern among Tongans and their diaspora, who argue that the move unjustly targets a nation that has historically supported US security efforts.

Background of Restrictions
The United States announced in December that it would tighten immigration policies to enhance national security and public safety. This included expanding the travel ban to five additional countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—and implementing partial restrictions on entry from 15 others, including Tonga. The US government cited a high rate of visa overstays among Tongans, claiming that over 14% of certain visa categories had violations.

Impact on Tongan Community
Tonga, with a population of approximately 100,000, is the only Pacific island nation affected by these restrictions. The US is home to around 70,000 Tongans, primarily located in cities like San Francisco and Salt Lake City. The new measures not only hinder future travel for Tongans but also affect those already in the US on work or student visas, who may be reluctant to return home for fear of not being able to re-enter.

Criticism from Tongan Leaders
Dr. Tevita Kaili, a Tongan professor at Brigham Young University in Hawaii, criticized the rationale behind the restrictions. He emphasized that Tongans have contributed to US security by sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan and often vote in alignment with US interests in the United Nations. Kaili expressed concern that the restrictions would lead to a decline in Tongan students at his university, where they currently represent the second-largest international student population.

Political Response
Hawaii Senator Jarrett Keohokalole condemned the inclusion of Tonga in the visa restrictions, labeling it unjust and offensive. He highlighted the deep cultural and familial ties between Hawaii and Tonga, arguing that the decision disproportionately impacts Pacific island communities and reflects a troubling trend in US immigration policies that target people of color.

Wrap-up
The new visa restrictions on Tonga have ignited a wave of criticism from both the Tongan government and members of the diaspora. As the US continues to tighten its immigration policies, the implications for small nations like Tonga raise questions about fairness and the broader impact on cultural connections and family unity.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team