Representative Joe Wilson urges State Department to ease travel advisory and support investment as Washington evaluates Syria’s status
US Representative Joe Wilson has called on the State Department to remove Syria from its State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) list and lower its travel advisory, arguing that the country has made significant progress toward regional stability and cooperation with Washington.
In a statement posted on X, the South Carolina Republican said Syria had taken “historic steps toward peace and prosperity” by working with the United States on regional priorities and counterterrorism efforts. Wilson also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had determined that Syria was meeting the necessary requirements for reconsideration of its designation.
Additionally, Wilson urged the State Department to revise its travel advisory to reflect current conditions, arguing that the move could encourage foreign investment, tourism and broader economic recovery.
State Department continues formal review
Wilson’s remarks come as the Trump administration reviews whether Syria should remain on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list following the collapse of the Assad government in December 2024 and the formation of a new administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
A State Department official confirmed that the review remains underway and is being conducted according to legal requirements established by Congress. However, the official declined to provide a timeline, noting that both the department and the president must complete several legal steps before any designation can be removed.
Designation carries major economic restrictions
Syria has remained on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list since 1979, alongside Cuba, North Korea and Iran. The designation imposes broad restrictions on financial transactions, security cooperation and foreign investment.
In recent months, relations between Washington and Damascus have improved. President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House after previously meeting President Donald Trump in Riyadh. Syria also joined the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh as its 90th member after signing a political cooperation declaration. Despite those developments, the terrorism designation remains unchanged while the review process continues.
