The US Was Our El Dorado: Africans React to Trump’s New Travel Bans and Remittance Taxes
🌍 A New Wave of Travel Restrictions
Donald Trump’s administration recently announced new travel restrictions, targeting seven African countries for full bans and placing partial visa limitations on three more nations including Togo, Burundi, and Sierra Leone.
For many Africans, especially young professionals and students, the US has long been seen as a land of opportunity — their El Dorado. The new policies are seen as a major setback for dreams of studying, working, or building futures abroad.
🚫 Countries Facing Full Bans
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
⚠️ Partial Restrictions
- Burundi
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
📉 Impact on Africans Abroad
Beyond travel, Trump’s administration is pushing for a 3.5% remittance tax under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
If passed, this could devastate African economies that rely heavily on remittances for education, healthcare, and development.
▶ Example:
Geoffrey Gichohi, a nurse in Minnesota, worries the tax will hit families back home who depend on financial support from abroad.
🎙️ Voices From Africa
- Essi Farida Geraldo (Architect, Togo):
"The US was the Togolese’s El Dorado. Losing access will force us to seek stronger partnerships elsewhere." - Mikhail Nyamweya (Political Analyst):
"This will institutionalize the exclusion of Africans from global innovation and mobility." - Abby Maxman (Oxfam America CEO):
"This is not about national security. It's about deepening inequality and reinforcing harmful stereotypes."
🗣️ Political Responses
- Chad: President Mahamat Idriss Déby responded by suspending visa issuance for US citizens, citing reciprocity.
- Sierra Leone: Took a softer approach, emphasizing continued strong relations with the US.
💡 Why It Matters
- Education & Opportunities: Visa restrictions limit African students’ access to top-tier universities.
- Economic Pressure: Remittance taxes could reduce household income across the continent.
- Diplomatic Strains: Rising anti-western sentiment may be accelerated by these moves.
As Trump’s policies evolve, the connection between Africa and the US faces new and growing challenges — reshaping how future generations view the "American Dream."