Trump Signs Proclamation Banning Travel from 12 Countries to Enhance National Security
President Trump signs proclamation banning travel from select countries amid national security concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new travel ban on Wednesday evening, signing a proclamation that immediately draws international attention and ignites responses from both supporters and critics. The directive, effective next Monday at 12:01 a.m., establishes a full ban on entry into the United States for nationals from twelve countries, including Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The White House described the move as essential for national security, emphasizing that these nations were found “to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States.” In addition to the outright ban, the proclamation imposes partial restrictions on seven other countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—placing new hurdles for citizens from those nations seeking entry into the U.S.
A spokesperson indicated that the new restrictions are designed to “garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.” The administration claims these measures will incentivize affected countries to improve their own screening protocols and data-sharing agreements with the United States.
Exceptions have been outlined for certain individuals and visa categories. Lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, applicants under specific visas, and those whose admission is deemed to serve U.S. national interests will not be subject to the travel ban. Humanitarian waivers will reportedly be available under limited circumstances, though advocates say the process remains stringent.
This latest move marks a return to a controversial and highly debated component of Trump’s first term. In 2017, he issued a similar executive order banning travelers from several majority-Muslim nations—a policy that underwent multiple revisions and legal battles before ultimately being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The policy was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021, but with this new proclamation, Trump has reinstated the travel restrictions while expanding their scope.
As the order’s implementation date approaches, diplomats and immigration attorneys are bracing for its impact. Critics warn it could disrupt families and fuel tensions with the affected countries, while supporters argue it is a necessary safeguard to protect the American public. The coming days are likely to see heightened scrutiny of the policy, its execution, and its broader implications for U.S. immigration and international relations.
