Trump bans citizens from 12 countries, claims security concerns
Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. Additionally, more nations will be subjected to travel restrictions. The American President stated that the decision stems from security concerns.
The list of countries with full travel bans includes: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban applies to the residents who are outside the United States on June 9 and/or do not possess a valid visa on that date.
Citizens from seven other countries are subjected to partial travel restrictions. Immigrants and people with temporary visas from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be denied entry to the US.
The signing of the proclamation is the next step for the Trump administration in its crackdown on illegal immigration. The officials are conveying that the ban aims to ensure safety and shield the US from "foreign terrorists." President Trump stated on TruthSocial, "We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm. [...] We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States."
During his initial term, President Trump introduced a travel ban targeting seven predominantly Muslim countries. This policy underwent multiple revisions before ultimately being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
When President Joe Biden took office after Trump, he rescinded the ban in 2021. The reversal affected nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen as Biden described the original measure as "a stain on our national conscience."
