US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Wednesday imposing a ban on citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, citing concerns about “foreign terrorists” and other security threats. The move is part of Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown that began at the start of his second term.
The countries affected by the travel ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, the entry of individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be partially restricted.
In a video message posted on X, Trump emphasized the need to protect the country from those who intend to cause harm. He mentioned that the list of banned countries could be revised and expanded in the future. The proclamation will go into effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 am EDT.
During his first term in office, Trump implemented a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, which faced legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. President Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump, repealed the ban on nationals from certain countries in 2021, calling it a “stain on our national conscience.”
Trump justified the latest restrictions by pointing to the presence of terrorists in the affected countries, lack of cooperation on visa security, and challenges in verifying travelers’ identities. He highlighted the recent incident in Boulder, Colorado, where a man attacked pro-Israel demonstrators, as a reason for the new measures.
Countries like Somalia have expressed willingness to work with the US to address security concerns. On the other hand, Venezuelan officials criticized the US government, warning their citizens about the risks of being in the country.
The travel ban has raised questions about its impact on individuals with plans to travel to the US for educational or exchange programs. One Myanmar teacher, who was set to participate in a State Department program, may face challenges due to the restrictions.
Trump’s focus on border security was evident during his presidential campaign, where he pledged to implement stringent measures against countries deemed to threaten national security. The administration has also enhanced security vetting procedures for foreigners seeking entry into the US.
The latest travel restrictions were initially reported by CBS News, and there were prior indications that the Trump administration was considering similar measures for additional countries. This ongoing immigration crackdown reflects Trump’s commitment to prioritizing national security and protecting the interests of the United States.
