President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban Wednesday evening, restricting entry to the U.S. from 19 countries, citing national security concerns.
The proclamation imposes full bans on travelers from 12 nations—Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen—and partial restrictions on nationals from seven others, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9.
Exceptions will apply for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. interests.
According to the White House, the move was expedited following an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, though Trump had already been considering the measure. “These commonsense restrictions are country-specific,” said Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson, pointing to concerns over vetting, visa overstays, and information sharing.
Critics, however, view the action as discriminatory. Advocacy group Oxfam called the ban a return to “policies of fear and division,” warning it will trap refugees in unsafe conditions. Shawn Vandiver of #AfghanEvac, which aids Afghan allies of the U.S., said the ban unfairly impacts those lawfully seeking entry.
The announcement rekindles memories of Trump’s first-term travel ban, which faced legal challenges before being repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The inclusion of Afghanistan again threatens to delay or block entry for former U.S. allies left behind after the war.
Trump stated more countries could be added to the list if new threats arise. “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” he said in a video message.
The ban has already sparked backlash from foreign governments. Venezuela’s interior minister called the U.S. “a big risk for anyone,” and warned citizens against traveling there.
Source: CNN