Trump Administration Travel Ban on 12 Countries Takes Effect Today
The Trump administration has enacted a travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries such as Afghanistan and Iran, citing national security. Additionally, seven more countries will face visa restrictions. While there are exceptions for certain individuals, international response has been notably negative, reminiscent of earlier travel bans implemented during Trump’s first term.
The Trump administration’s new travel ban, effective immediately, restricts nationals from twelve countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, from entering the United States. This executive order took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET. In addition to the twelve target countries, seven more nations—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—will face stringent visa limitations.
President Trump has justified the ban as a critical measure for safeguarding national security and preventing terrorism within the U.S. During a press briefing at the White House alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he stated, “It can’t come soon enough,” expressing intentions to keep “bad people” out of the country. This move mirrors a previous travel ban that was enacted during his first term, which blocked entry for individuals from six predominantly Muslim countries before it was overturned by President Biden.
The list of banned nations also includes Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and the Republic of Congo. While the ban seems extensive, there are exceptions in place; it does not apply to lawful permanent residents or individuals from the banned countries who hold citizenship in other nations. These individuals can enter using passports from countries without restrictions.
Moreover, certain groups are exempt from this ban. This includes Afghans who assisted the U.S. during its military campaign, religious minorities being persecuted in Iran, athletes participating in international competitions, and children being adopted.
The international response has been overwhelmingly negative, with many recalling the infamous travel ban from 2017. For instance, Chad quickly retaliated by imposing visa restrictions for U.S. citizens. President Idriss Deby emphasized the pride of his country, stating, “Chad has its dignity and pride,” highlighting a sense of national identity despite facing restrictions.
Venezuela has also reacted strongly; after the U.S. ended a special visa program last week, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello condemned the U.S. government, characterizing it as “fascist” and claiming it unjustly attacks Venezuelans. The global reaction underscores the tension this policy resurfaces, drawing parallels to previous controversies surrounding immigration and travel bans during Trump’s administration.
In summary, the Trump administration’s renewed travel ban affects a total of twelve countries and imposes significant restrictions on seven additional nations. While President Trump sees this as a necessary action for national security, the backlash from countries impacted and broader international communities reveal a considerable amount of dissent and concern regarding the implications of such policies. Exceptions to the ban do provide some avenues for entry for certain individuals, but overall, the move has been met with widespread criticism and claims of fostering division and discrimination.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
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