Trump Signs Travel Ban Affecting 12 Nations, Citing Security Concerns

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation late Wednesday instituting a new travel ban, effectively barring entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries due to what the administration describes as serious national security risks. The proclamation completely restricts entry from nations including Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Partial Restrictions and National Interest Exceptions

Seven additional countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—will face partial travel restrictions under the order. Exemptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, individuals already holding valid visas, certain visa categories, and those whose entry serves national interests.

According to the White House, the proclamation will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9. A senior official noted that while the order had been under consideration for some time, a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, accelerated its final approval. Interestingly, the suspect in that incident was an Egyptian national, and Egypt was not included in the list of restricted nations.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson explained via social media that the restrictions are based on “clear-cut national security concerns,” including weak identity verification systems, high visa overstay rates, and a failure by certain nations to share critical threat intelligence with the U.S.

Policy Roots and Political Reactions

This proclamation echoes similar moves from Trump’s first term, where a travel ban affecting several Muslim-majority nations was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. That version had restricted various levels of travel from Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, North Korea, and Venezuela. President Joe Biden rescinded that policy when he took office in 2021.

The new travel restrictions once again raise concern for Afghan nationals, particularly those who supported U.S. forces during America’s involvement in Afghanistan. While Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders are exempt, thousands of vulnerable individuals not covered by the program remain uncertain about their fate.

Shawn Vandiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, criticized the move, saying it “unfairly targets families and individuals who are attempting to enter the U.S. lawfully.” He added that this decision appears to be more about long-term strategy than a response to any immediate or emerging threat.

Humanitarian groups also expressed dismay. Abby Maxman, President and CEO of Oxfam America, stated that the order reflects a resurgence of “policies rooted in fear and discrimination.” She warned that the ban could leave war-affected individuals stranded in perilous conditions.

International responses have been swift. Venezuelan officials denounced the proclamation, arguing that the United States itself presents dangers to travelers. Diosdado Cabello, a senior figure in Venezuela’s government, went so far as to say on national television that anyone traveling to the U.S. “is taking a big risk—not just Venezuelans.”

Trump said in a recorded message that additional countries could be added to the list in the future “as threats emerge.” He emphasized that the ban is dynamic and will be updated as national security conditions change.

The latest proclamation underscores the administration’s stance on tightening immigration controls while prioritizing U.S. safety. As the policy unfolds, its legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic impacts are likely to face continued scrutiny.