In a move that reignites a contentious immigration policy from his first term, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order barring citizens of 12 countries including Somalia, Sudan, Congo, and Iran—from entering the United States, citing heightened national security risks.
The expanded restrictions, announced Wednesday, also impose partial visa limitations on travelers from seven additional nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The order marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to tighten U.S. borders, reviving a policy that previously sparked legal battles and widespread protests.
“We Cannot Have Open Migration from High-Risk Nations”
Speaking from the White House, President Trump defended the decision, calling travel restrictions one of his administration’s most effective tools in preventing potential threats.
“Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country that we cannot safely and reliably vet,” Trump declared. “This executive order ensures that we protect American citizens from individuals who may seek to do us harm.”
The policy follows a security review ordered by Trump at the start of his second term, which evaluated countries based on factors such as terrorist activity, visa overstay rates, and cooperation with U.S. immigration screening protocols. Nations failing to meet security standards were flagged for full or partial restrictions.
List Subject to Change, More Countries Could Be Added
The administration emphasised that the ban is not permanent and could be adjusted based on improvements in security measures by affected nations.
“The strength of these restrictions depends on the severity of the threat,” Trump said. “If countries make progress, they can be removed from the list—but if new threats emerge, we will not hesitate to add more.”
The 12 nations facing full travel bans include:
Afghanistan
Myanmar (Burma)
Chad
Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
Meanwhile, travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face selective visa limitations, primarily affecting government officials and individuals with specific security concerns.
Critics Decry Policy as Discriminatory
Civil rights groups and immigration advocates swiftly condemned the move, arguing that broad travel bans unfairly target predominantly Muslim and African nations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) vowed to challenge the order in court, calling it an extension of Trump’s earlier “Muslim ban,” which faced multiple legal hurdles before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
“This is the same xenophobic policy under a different name,” said ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat. “Blanket bans do not make us safer, they only divide families and stigmatise entire communities.”
Democratic lawmakers also criticized the measure, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calling it “a distraction from real immigration reform.”
What Happens Next?
The State Department and Department of Homeland Security are expected to implement the restrictions immediately, though legal challenges could delay enforcement. Foreign governments affected by the ban have yet to issue formal responses, but some, including Iran and Venezuela, have previously accused the U.S. of politically motivated discrimination.
As the 2024 election season heats up, the revived travel ban is likely to become another flashpoint in the national debate over immigration and security a debate that has defined much of Trump’s presidency.
For now, travelers from the listed countries are advised to consult U.S. embassies for updated entry requirements.
