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In a significant expansion of prior immigration restrictions, former President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation banning or partially restricting travel to the United States from a total of 19 countries. The policy, aimed at tightening national security measures, is scheduled to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, June 9.

The directive fully bars nationals from 12 countries — Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen — from entering the U.S. unless they meet strict exemption criteria.

Seven other countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — are subject to partial travel restrictions, with varying levels of limitations depending on the nature of travel and the documentation provided.

Why These Countries Were Targeted

According to the proclamation, these nations "fail to meet baseline security standards" for identity verification, data sharing, and traveler vetting. The White House emphasized that the ban is based on a review conducted by the Departments of State and Homeland Security, initiated during Trump’s prior term.

Factors considered in the review included:

• Lack of biometric identification systems
• High rates of visa overstays
• Refusal or delay in accepting deported nationals
• Potential terrorist presence or operational threats
• Insufficient information-sharing with U.S. authorities

Trump, in a video message released Wednesday evening, stated, “On day one of my administration, I instructed the Secretary of State to launch a full review of countries posing elevated security risks. This new order is about protecting Americans.”

Exceptions to the Rule

While the proclamation is broad in scope, there are specific exemptions in place. These include:

• U.S. permanent residents (green card holders)
• Athletes competing in major international sporting events
• Immediate family members of U.S. citizens or lawful residents, provided they can present clear and convincing evidence, such as DNA tests or verified legal documents, to establish familial ties.

The Policy’s Roots and Legal Background

This move echoes the January 2017 “travel ban” enacted during Trump’s first week in office, which prohibited entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Though the initial version sparked widespread legal challenges and public protest, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a revised version in June 2018.

That ban was later repealed by President Joe Biden in January 2021 as one of his administration’s first major immigration reversals.

Criticism and Political Reaction

The new travel ban has sparked immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers and human rights organizations.

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) condemned the move on X (formerly Twitter), with Markey stating:

“Make no mistake: Trump’s latest travel ban will NOT make America safer. We cannot continue to allow the Trump administration to write bigotry and hatred into U.S. immigration policy.”

Immigration advocacy groups argue that the policy disproportionately targets countries with weaker global influence or economic power, and many of the countries affected are majority-Muslim or African nations, raising concerns of racial and religious bias.

Broader Context and International Implications

The policy may have diplomatic consequences, particularly in U.S. relations with nations in North and East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Several of the countries affected — such as Iran, Somalia, and Sudan — already have strained ties with the U.S., and this move is expected to deepen those divides.

As of 2023, roughly 450,000 individuals from the affected countries held valid U.S. visas or were in the process of applying. The ban puts many of these individuals in limbo, especially students, business professionals, and those with family in the U.S.

Legal experts are anticipating a new wave of court challenges, especially given the proximity of the ban to the 2024 presidential election cycle, where immigration is expected to be a polarizing issue.

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The newly issued travel ban marks a major return to hardline immigration policies reminiscent of Trump's first term. As debates reignite over security vs. inclusivity, this executive action may once again test the legal system, U.S. diplomatic relationships, and the nation’s stance on global migration and human rights.

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