Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport faced new restrictions as President Trump’s latest travel ban took effect just after midnight on Monday. This ban prohibits nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States and imposes partial restrictions on visitors from another seven countries.
The announcement came after a firebombing attack in Colorado, which Trump cited as a reason for the ban, emphasizing the need for national security. This move revives a controversial travel ban from his first term, which he had promised to reinstate during his campaign.
The ban primarily affects countries in Africa and the Middle East. The list includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban is based on the administration’s assessment that these countries lack proper screening and vetting processes, posing a high risk to the U.S.
In a video released last week, Trump stated that the Colorado attack highlighted the dangers of allowing foreign nationals who are not thoroughly vetted into the country. He asserted that the U.S. would not accept individuals who could potentially harm its citizens.
While the ban affects many, there are exemptions. Lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests can still enter the country. Children adopted by U.S. citizens and those with Special Immigrant Visas are also exempt.
The travel ban has already drawn criticism from various quarters. International groups, including Amnesty International, labeled it as discriminatory and cruel. Some foreign leaders have called on the U.S. to reconsider the ban, expressing concerns about its impact on diplomatic relations and people-to-people ties.
The enforcement of the ban will target the visa application process, affecting applications from the listed countries. U.S. embassies have been instructed not to revoke visas already issued but to deny new applications from individuals in the banned countries unless they qualify for an exemption.
Legal challenges are expected, as immigration lawyers prepare to contest the ban. Experts believe that the ban has been crafted with more legal precision than previous versions, which may make it less vulnerable to court challenges. However, the administration’s enforcement practices could still invite legal scrutiny.
As the ban unfolds, its implications for families, workers, and refugees remain a significant concern, raising questions about the U.S.’s stance on immigration and its global reputation.