The small Pacific nation of Tonga is one of more than a dozen countries facing new US visa restrictions from 1 January, as the Trump administration tightens immigration controls. The US government cited a high rate of Tongans overstaying their visas—over 14% for some categories—as justification for the partial restrictions, which will limit visa issuance to exceptional circumstances such as US government employees.
The decision has sparked anger and concern among Tongan community leaders and politicians. Dr Tevita Kaili, a Tongan professor at Brigham Young University in Hawaii, said the restrictions were unfounded: 'Tongans are not a threat to US security. The Tongan government sent troops to both Iraq and Afghanistan to support US security.' He warned that Tongan students in the US may be unable to return after travelling home, and that graduation ceremonies could be affected as families cannot attend.
Hawaii Senator Jarrett Keohokalole strongly denounced the inclusion of Tonga, calling it 'unjustified and deeply offensive'. He noted Hawaii's genealogical and cultural ties with Tonga, and said the decision 'disproportionately harmed Pacific island communities and reflected a broader pattern of immigration policies targeting communities of colour'.
Melino Maka, a Tongan community leader in New Zealand, expressed dismay: 'Our family members have made the US their home for many generations, but right now this administration does not see us worthy.' He suggested focusing on relationships with China instead of pursuing ties with the US.
Tonga, with a population of 100,000, is the only Pacific island country on the list. An estimated 70,000 Tongans live in the US, primarily in California and Utah, with a total of 150,000 Tongans living outside the country.
