The United States has announced new immigration restrictions affecting travelers from several European nations, a move that comes amid heightened political tension between Washington and the European Union.

The decision follows growing disagreements over U.S. foreign policy, including President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring Greenland under American control. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders and strained long-standing alliances.

Political tensions reach a boiling point.

Domestic unrest within the United States has also intensified in recent weeks. Protests have taken place in multiple cities following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, during an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The officer involved, Jonathan Ross, reportedly fired three shots during the incident. After Vice President JD Vance publicly stated that the officer was protected from prosecution because he was acting within the scope of his duties, federal authorities later confirmed that no further investigation would proceed.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche explained that the Department of Justice does not automatically open investigations in cases where officers claim self-defense, adding that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for federal review.

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Dispute over Greenland fuels international fallout

Tensions abroad escalated after President Trump imposed new tariffs on several European partners in response to their resistance to his Greenland proposal. Countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark — which oversees Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory — have publicly opposed the idea.

In response, the administration warned of tariffs starting at 10 percent on select EU nations, with the possibility of increasing them to 25 percent by mid-year if negotiations stall. The President has remained firm, stating that control of Greenland is critical to global and national security.

“There is no turning back,” Trump said, adding that the move is “imperative for the future.”

Why did the U.S. introduce new entry bans?

As part of a broader immigration crackdown, the Trump administration has expanded travel and immigration restrictions to cover citizens from 75 countries worldwide, including several in Europe.

Officials argue the measures are necessary due to concerns over inadequate screening procedures, visa overstays, incomplete civil documentation, terrorism risks, and limited cooperation in accepting deported nationals.

The White House maintains that the policy is focused on strengthening border security rather than punishing specific regions.

Public reaction remains divided.

Reaction to the announcement has been sharply split. Supporters of the administration say the move delivers on campaign promises and prioritizes national security. Critics, however, warn that it could disrupt families, harm legal immigration pathways, and trigger lengthy court challenges.

Some observers have also raised concerns about the potential impact on international events, notably the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host.

Commentators, including journalist Piers Morgan, have floated the idea of European nations reconsidering participation should trade and travel tensions continue.

What the restrictions actually mean for travelers

According to U.S. officials, the policy primarily targets individuals seeking permanent immigration through sponsorship and those deemed likely to rely heavily on public assistance.

In many cases, the restrictions do not apply to short-term visitors. Tourists and business travelers applying for temporary non-immigrant visas are generally unaffected, though this varies by country.

Only a limited number of nations face a complete travel suspension, which would prevent citizens from entering the U.S. for tourism or significant events such as the World Cup.

European countries affected by the immigration pause

The European and nearby nations currently subject to a pause on immigrant visa processing are:

1. Albania

2. Belarus

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina

4. Kosovo

5. Moldova

6. Montenegro

While critics argue the policy could have grave humanitarian consequences, supporters insist it is a necessary step to protect national interests. For most European travelers, however, short-term visits to the U.S. remain possible under existing visa rules.