Trump Implements Travel Restrictions to the US Targeting Countries to Prevent Entry of ‘Dangerous Foreign Actors’

President Donald Trump has enacted a sweeping executive order—Executive Order 14161—that will impose new travel restrictions on nearly 20 countries deemed high-risk for terrorism, chronic visa abuse, and inadequate security cooperation. The decision marks one of the administration's most significant actions to tighten U.S. border security since taking office.

The order immediately suspends or restricts entry into the United States for nationals from 12 "very high risk" countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. According to officials, these nations were targeted due to elevated levels of terrorist activity, unstable or hostile governments, and alarming visa overstay rates. For instance, Afghanistan is controlled by the Taliban and has a student visa overstay rate reported at an astonishing 29.3%.

In addition, seven more countries—including Venezuela, Cuba, and Laos—will face partial restrictions. These measures are tailored to target individuals whose travel or immigration history raises red flags, as well as countries that have not sufficiently partnered with the U.S. on information-sharing or identity verification.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson characterized the move as a fulfillment of President Trump's commitment to safeguarding American citizens. "President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm," Jackson stated, emphasizing that the restrictions are "commonsense" and aimed at countries "that lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information."

The administration also cited the refusal of Iran—a designated state sponsor of terrorism—to cooperate with U.S. security agencies, as well as the absence of functioning governments in Libya, Somalia, and Yemen capable of issuing secure travel documents. These factors, combined with elevated security risks, made the countries primary targets for inclusion under the new order.

The executive action comes amid renewed White House efforts to overhaul the country's approach to border security, immigration vetting, and counter-terrorism. While supporters argue the new restrictions are necessary to preserve national safety, critics are expected to challenge the order both on humanitarian grounds and in court. The administration insists, however, that the bans are temporary and subject to review if affected nations improve their security cooperation and document standards.

As the details of Executive Order 14161 begin to take effect, U.S. agencies are preparing to implement enhanced screening procedures and coordinate with allies to close loopholes exploited by transnational actors. The administration maintains that these urgent steps are essential to ensure the integrity of America's borders and to prevent potential threats from reaching U.S. soil.