U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new travel ban targeting nationals from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The proclamation, set to take effect next Monday, will fully bar entry for travelers from Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
What You Need to Know 🛂
The White House claims these nations lack proper security screening protocols, posing a "very high risk" to the U.S. Seven other countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions. Exceptions include green card holders, current visa owners, and those with "national interest" exemptions.
Context & Controversy 🔍
This move echoes Trump's 2017 travel ban targeting seven Muslim-majority countries, which sparked global protests before being upheld by the Supreme Court. President Biden reversed the original ban in 2021, calling it "rooted in xenophobia." The latest policy is already stirring debates about immigration fairness and security priorities.
"These restrictions are necessary to protect Americans and enforce our laws," the White House stated. Critics argue the policy could strain international relations and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
