President Trump’s new restrictions on travel to the U.S. from 12 nations, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, took effect. This occurred amidst increased tensions over the administration’s immigration enforcement actions.
The new directive, signed by Trump, affects citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additional restrictions are imposed on individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela who are abroad and lack valid visas.
Existing visas for individuals from these countries remain valid, according to U.S. diplomatic guidance. However, new applications will be rejected unless they meet specific exemption criteria. Travelers with current visas should still be permitted entry.
Earlier, Trump’s first attempt at a travel ban led to airport chaos, legal challenges, and significant policy revisions. This time, there were no immediate disruptions reported at Los Angeles International Airport.
A Haitian-American woman expressed concern for her family in Haiti, describing the ban as upsetting. She noted that many Haitians seek refuge in the U.S. to escape violence.
Immigration experts believe the new ban is designed to withstand legal scrutiny, focusing on the visa application process. Trump justified the ban by citing inadequate screening processes and countries’ unwillingness to take back their citizens. He also referenced a Homeland Security report on visa overstays.
The ban has been criticized by refugee aid organizations, who argue it promotes division. The inclusion of Afghanistan has particularly angered some due to the history of U.S. involvement there. Exceptions were made for Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas.
Afghanistan had been a significant source of resettled refugees before Trump previously halted refugee resettlement. Trump linked the ban to a terrorist incident in Boulder, Colorado, noting the perpetrator had overstayed a visa, although he was from Egypt, not a banned country.