The US has tightened visa and entry rules starting January 1, adding Tonga and more than 20 other countries to its travel restrictions. The Trump administration expanded the travel ban to include nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Additionally, 15 countries, including Tonga, Angola, Benin, and Nigeria, face partial restrictions limiting visa issuance to few exceptions like US government employees. Tonga, with a population of 100,000 and the only Pacific island nation on the list, faces restrictions justified by the US government due to high rates of visa overstays—more than 14% in some categories. The US hosts about 70,000 Tongans, mainly in San Francisco and Utah, out of approximately 150,000 living abroad. The ban has sparked anger and worry. Dr Tevita Kaili, a Tongan professor in Hawaii, said, "Tongans are not a threat to US security." He noted Tonga's support in Iraq and Afghanistan and alignment with the US in the UN. Kaili warned the restrictions may stop Tongan families from attending graduations and could reduce Tongan students at universities. Hawaiian Senator Jarrett Keohokalole condemned the ban. "Singling out Tonga is unjustified and deeply offensive," he said, highlighting strong cultural ties between Hawaii and Polynesia. He called the policy discriminatory and harmful to Pacific island communities. Tongan leader in New Zealand Melino Maka shared concerns, stating, "This administration does not see us worthy, those connections are based on the colour of our skin." Maka suggested focusing on relations with China instead. These visa restrictions affect not only those seeking US entry but also Tongans currently on work or student visas who might face difficulties returning after travel. The new rules represent a significant challenge for the Tongan diaspora and Pacific communities connected to the US.