Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on 12 Countries Over Security Concerns
In a move echoing his 2017 policy, Donald Trump reintroduces sweeping travel restrictions targeting several countries deemed "high-risk." Set to take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the new proclamation bars entry for citizens of 12 nations, with partial limitations imposed on seven others.
According to the announcement made Wednesday, the full travel ban applies to nationals from:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, the following countries face partial travel restrictions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
National Security and Vetting Gaps Cited
The Trump campaign claims these nations pose a “credible threat” due to their failure to meet U.S. security standards, including insufficient background checks, lack of data-sharing agreements, and high rates of visa overstays or deportation refusal.
“From my first day in office, I pledged to keep Americans safe,” Trump stated in a video published Wednesday. “This proclamation is about national security — nothing more, nothing less.”
Policy Details and Exemptions
The order outlines key exemptions for:
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- International athletes and teams attending major sporting events
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, with verifiable proof of identity and relationship (e.g., DNA)
The restrictions do not apply to individuals already within U.S. borders or those holding valid visas as of June 9, 2025.
Political and Public Reactions
The travel ban has drawn immediate criticism from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights organizations. Many accuse the Trump campaign of reviving discriminatory immigration practices, particularly against Muslim-majority and African countries.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote on X: “This is not about safety — it’s about discrimination. Banning people based on nationality fuels xenophobia, not security.”
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) added, “Make no mistake: Trump’s latest travel ban will NOT make America safer. We must stand against institutionalized bigotry in our immigration policies.”
Echoes of 2017’s Muslim Ban
Trump’s original travel ban in January 2017 targeted seven predominantly Muslim countries. Despite widespread protests, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the policy in 2018. President Joe Biden rescinded it on his first day in office in 2021, calling it “a stain on American values.”
Now, as Trump aims for re-election, immigration once again becomes a cornerstone of his campaign platform.
Is Egypt Included?
Despite referencing a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado — allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national — Egypt is not included in the list of restricted countries, prompting questions about the criteria used for inclusion.
As the June 9 implementation date approaches, debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties intensifies. While Trump supporters frame the move as essential for American safety, critics view it as another step toward institutionalizing xenophobia.