The small Pacific nation of Tonga—home to fewer than 100,000 people—has been at the center of this contentious issue. This comes on the heels of the United States’ recent imposition of visa restrictions targeting the country. Beginning January 1, these new “partial” restrictions will essentially cut off the Tongan people’s access to the US entirely. This unilateral decision has raised alarm among Tongan diaspora and supporters of Pacific island nations.
For decades, Tonga has demonstrated fierce commitment to global security. Second—and perhaps more importantly—it has proactively deployed its own troops to bolster US efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. For all of this support, the recent travel restrictions have been met with pointed backlash from a number of influential leaders and community stakeholders. Today, there are about 70,000 Tongans living in the US, mostly concentrated in the Bay Area of California and Salt Lake City, Utah. Their diaspora forms one of the most dynamic and powerful connections between the two countries, creating stronger cultural and familial bonds.
The new list of countries prohibited from traveling to New Zealand clearly affects Tonga. It is the only Pacific island nation to be part of these restrictions and so it stands out. The Biden administration rightly has defended these steps. They are, after all, life-saving national security measures. Defenders call them racist for targeting communities of color. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole of Hawaii expressed his disapproval, stating that the decision is “unjustified and deeply offensive to the people of Hawaii, where Polynesian identity is foundational.”
Dr. Tevita Kaili, a Tonga-born professor in the United States at Brigham Young University, Hawaii, is on the same wavelength. He was especially worried about how these restrictions would impact Tongan students and their families. It will be heartbreaking to witness a drop in the Tongan students studying at my university in January 2026 because of the prohibitive travel costs. Today, Tongans make up the second-largest international student group at my university,” explained Kaili.
The consequences of these visa restrictions reach far beyond short notice travel disruptions. Today, about one out of three Tongans resides outside of their island nation. Tonga’s students and advocates are concerned that the new restrictions will deter Tongan students from pursuing US degrees. Dr. Kaili commented on the unfounded nature of the travel limitations, stating, “The claim that the US is protecting its security by restricting Tongans from travelling to the US is unfounded.”
As recently as last week, local leaders and advocates have expressed their frustration at what they believe is an unfair, politically motivated targeting of Tonga. Community member Melino Maka reflected on the deep ties many Tongans have to the US. “I know that our family members have made the US their home for many generations but right now with what this current administration does not see us worthy, those connections are based on the color of our skin,” Maka said. He continued to bash the current administration’s agenda to implement immigration policies that leave Pacific island communities isolated.
With increased restrictions on Tonga, local officials and community leaders are doing what they can. They are calling for a reconsideration of policies that disproportionately harm their communities. As with other Pacific Islanders, the COVID travel restrictions have greatly impacted Tongans’ freedom of movement. They put in jeopardy the rich cultural contributions Tongan students provide at American universities.