U.S. immigration bans hit climate-vulnerable nations disproportionately

The United States’ immigration bans under the Trump administration disproportionately affected nations most vulnerable to climate change, a review by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative showed. The study examined the list of 39 countries subject to full or partial entry restrictions. It found that 22 of those nations rank among the world’s highest climate-risk countries, according to climate-risk indices. Among the fully barred states were Chad, Niger, Sudan, Somalia and Sierra Leone, all facing severe climate threats.

The Guardian noted that the findings highlight a mismatch between U. S. immigration policy and the growing challenge of climate-displaced migrants. Researchers Danielle Wood and Jocelyn Perry said the analysis indicates the need to consider climate vulnerability when shaping entry restrictions.