State Representative El-Mahdi Holly, along with members of the Georgia Africa Legislative Caucus, is set to hold a press conference to discuss potential U.S. travel restrictions that could affect African and Caribbean nations. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the South Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.
Rep. Holly expressed concern over these developments by stating, “Several of these nations are on the International Rescue Committee’s emergency watchlist for countries with worsening humanitarian crises and a population that needs help.” He added that “the travel ban comes on the heels of Trump and DOGE gutting international aid, further weakening the United States abroad and sending nations spiraling.”
The proposed travel restrictions could impact visa access for 26 African countries including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania Uganda Zambia and Zimbabwe. Caribbean nations such as Anguilla Barbados Dominica Haiti St Kitts and St Lucia may also be affected.
Rep. Holly warned about potential economic consequences: “This ban will present severe economic barriers to American transportation tourism and supply chain industries—well ahead of the 2025 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the state’s capital city.” He emphasized that “Atlanta is home to the world’s busiest airport and a discriminatory ban would halt some 20 flights to international destinations and cripple logistics distribution sector that relies so heavily on Georgia’s transportation infrastructure.”
The press conference will feature Rep. El-Mahdi Holly (D-Stockbridge), Rep. Segun Adeyina (D-Grayson), and other members of the Georgia Africa Legislative Caucus.
