Trump Issues New Travel Ban: US Bars Entry from 12 Nations, Partially Restricts 7 Others

WASHINGTON:
In a move reigniting the debate on US immigration policy, President Donald Trump, amid his renewed presidential push, has issued a sweeping proclamation banning the entry of nationals from 12 countries, citing national security threats, visa overstay rates, and lack of adequate documentation protocols. The announcement was made official through a White House statement, further elaborated by spokesperson Abigail Jackson on X (formerly Twitter).

The new restrictions mark a dramatic policy shift, reminiscent of Trump’s earlier controversial “Muslim ban” that was overturned by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The 12 countries now fully barred from sending nationals to the US under the proclamation are:

1. Afghanistan
2. Myanmar (Burma)
3. Chad
4. Republic of the Congo
5. Equatorial Guinea
6. Eritrea
7. Haiti
8. Iran
9. Libya
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen

These countries were flagged for issues such as high visa overstay rates, lack of credible central authorities, non-cooperation in accepting deported nationals, and being sources of or safe havens for terrorist activities.

The White House cited alarming overstay percentages—for instance, Equatorial Guinea had a 70.18% overstay rate for student/exchange visas, while Chad’s rate stood at 55.64%. In many cases, governments were also accused of failing to maintain accurate records or vet incoming/outgoing travelers.

The proclamation also imposes partial restrictions on seven other countries, considered high-risk but not completely barred. These include:

1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela

The partial restrictions involve increased scrutiny, limited visa types, and restrictions on certain categories of travellers such as students and business visitors. Many of these nations, according to US authorities, failed to cooperate with deportation processes or lacked adequate data-sharing with US security agencies.

This decision comes as a stark reversal to President Biden’s 2021 executive order that abolished Trump’s initial travel ban, terming it a “stain on the national conscience.” Trump, now positioning national security as a cornerstone of his 2024 campaign narrative, appears to be returning to hardline immigration tactics.

Political observers suggest the timing is significant, as Trump escalates his campaign rhetoric, positioning himself as the candidate who would “protect American borders against dangerous foreign actors.”

While the proclamation has drawn strong support from conservative circles, civil rights groups and immigration advocates have raised alarms, calling it discriminatory and a potential precursor to broader exclusionary policies.