Donald Trump has announced a new travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. This decision comes after a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, which Trump linked to the dangers posed by foreign nationals who may not be properly vetted. The travel ban will take effect on Monday at 12:01 AM, aiming to avoid the chaos seen during a similar ban in 2017.
The countries affected by this ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, there are seven countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—whose nationals will face partial restrictions.
In announcing the ban, Trump emphasized that it could be revised if the listed countries make "material improvements" in their security practices. He also noted that new countries could be added to the list as threats emerge globally.
The White House described these restrictions as "common sense" measures to protect Americans from potential risks. In a video posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump referenced the Boulder attack, which injured twelve people, as an example of the dangers posed by foreign nationals. The suspect in that incident was identified as an Egyptian national, though Egypt is not included in the travel ban.
There are exemptions within the ban. Athletes traveling for major events, such as the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, as well as individuals holding specific visas or dual citizenships, may still enter the U.S. The Secretary of State can also grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis if it serves U.S. national interests.
Reactions to the ban have been swift. Somalia’s ambassador to the U.S. expressed a desire to work with American officials to address security concerns, emphasizing the importance of their longstanding relationship. Meanwhile, Venezuelan officials warned that being in the U.S. poses risks for anyone, not just their nationals.
Critics of the ban, including several Democratic lawmakers and human rights organizations, have condemned it as discriminatory and harmful. They argue that it expands on Trump’s previous travel restrictions, which were widely criticized as a "Muslim ban" during his first term.
The original travel ban from 2017 faced numerous legal challenges and was ultimately revised before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. President Joe Biden later repealed it in 2021, calling it a "stain on our national conscience."
As this latest ban takes effect, many are watching closely to see how it will be implemented and whether it will face similar legal hurdles.