In a significant move, US President Donald Trump has announced a renewed travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran, citing concerns over national security and vetting processes.
The ban, which comes into effect on June 9, 2025, also imposes partial restrictions on citizens from seven other nations such as Cuba and Venezuela. These measures are designed to prevent potential threats from entering the United States, but have ignited fierce debates both domestically and internationally.
During the announcement, Trump emphasized the importance of protecting Americans from dangerous foreign actors, especially in light of recent attacks, including a deadly incident in Boulder, Colorado. He stated, ‘We don’t want them,’ referencing countries on the list, and highlighted issues with countries’ capacity to vet their own citizens.
Who is affected?
The targeted countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face partial restrictions.
However, certain exemptions are provided, such as athletes traveling for major sporting events and dual nationals with citizenship in unaffected countries. Additionally, Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas and lawful permanent residents of the US are also exempt.
Reactions and implications
The move has received mixed reactions globally. Critics, including refugee organizations and veteran groups, condemned the ban as discriminatory and harmful. Amnesty International described it as ‘discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel,’ warning that it could undermine America’s moral standing and security.
In contrast, some supporters argue the policy is a necessary step to enhance vetting and prevent threats. Trump defended the decision, asserting that many countries lack proper systems for security checks and that the restrictions are proportionate to perceived threats.
International response
Several affected countries have reacted strongly. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused the US of ‘persecuting’ its people and called the ban an act of ‘fascism.’ Somalia, now under a full ban, expressed willingness to collaborate with the US to address security concerns.
In Egypt, the absence of the country on the list has been noted, despite Trump’s reasoning citing threats from Egyptian nationals. This is attributed to the strong US-Egypt alliance and significant military aid, totaling $1.4 billion in 2023.
Legal and domestic consequences
The policy is expected to face legal challenges, similar to those encountered with previous bans. Critics argue that the measures may violate constitutional rights and discriminate against specific populations. The debate continues as the US grapples with balancing security with civil liberties.
This move by Trump marks a significant shift in US immigration policy, reminiscent of his initial travel ban in 2017, but with more calculated and targeted measures. It aligns with his campaign promise and reflects ongoing efforts to prioritize national security, albeit amid controversy and legal scrutiny.
As the US navigates these changes, the global community watches closely, questioning the long-term impact on diplomacy, human rights, and America’s international standing.
