In a significant move that signals a return to his hardline immigration policy, former US President Donald Trump has imposed a full travel ban on nationals from 12 countries and partial visa restrictions on 7 more, citing national security threats and screening inadequacies. The decision follows a violent incident in Colorado, where an Egyptian national was accused of firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators.

The White House announced that the proclamation will take effect from 12:01 am on Monday, and will “fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals from countries found to be deficient in screening and vetting, posing very high risk to the United States.”

Full Travel Ban on 12 Nations

The countries facing complete entry bans are:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

According to the administration, these countries either lack credible identification systems, support terrorism, or have collapsed governance structures, making it impossible to ensure safe and secure entry of their nationals into the United States.

For example, Eritrea's tourist visa overstay rate exceeds 20%, Afghanistan has no credible screening infrastructure, and Iran is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. The absence of a functioning government in Libya also poses serious risk, as noted in the order.

Partial Visa Restrictions on 7 Countries

The visa restrictions—which affect both immigrant and non-immigrant categories like B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) visas—will apply to:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

The partial ban is a response to high visa overstay rates and non-cooperation with US law enforcement from these nations. These restrictions will limit visa issuance and renewals, but do not constitute a complete travel prohibition.

Trump Defends the Move

Defending the measure, Donald Trump stated,

“I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.”

He linked the proclamation to recent attacks by foreign nationals who entered legally and overstayed their visas. "There has been one terror attack after another carried out by foreign visa stayers," Trump said, underscoring the urgent need for tighter border and visa control.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson added,

“President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm.”

The administration said the list of countries under the ban could be updated or revised if the concerned nations demonstrate improved security screening standards and better collaboration with US agencies.

Criticism and Political Implications

The ban has already sparked strong criticism from civil rights groups, immigration advocates, and opposition leaders. Many point out that most of the banned nations are Muslim-majority or African, drawing parallels with Trump’s 2017 travel ban, which was heavily criticised and faced multiple court challenges before being upheld by the US Supreme Court in a narrowed form.

Critics argue that the measure is discriminatory and xenophobic, designed to rally Trump's voter base ahead of the 2024 elections. “This order is a thinly veiled return of the Muslim Ban,” said a spokesperson from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Several immigration lawyers and international rights organisations have indicated that legal challenges are imminent, especially as this new proclamation may affect thousands of students, workers, and families seeking to enter the US.

Impact on Global Relations and Migration

The announcement is expected to have far-reaching implications on diplomatic relations, particularly with Middle Eastern and African nations. It could affect international students, H1B and J-1 visa holders, and refugee applicants.

The move also comes amid a wider global debate on immigration control, national security, and the role of vetting technologies in modern border management. By citing specific screening failures, Trump has positioned the order as a technical, not racial, policy decision, though global reactions suggest otherwise.

A Clear Shift in US Immigration Strategy

This decision marks a sharp turn in US immigration policy, sending a signal that security and control are again the dominant priorities in the administration’s agenda. It reflects Trump’s campaign promises to “build a wall” and clamp down on illegal entry, although critics say the impact on genuine travellers and refugees could be severe.

The administration maintains that the ban is essential and may only be lifted when nations meet strict security benchmarks.

As the debate over immigration intensifies in the run-up to the elections, this proclamation may emerge as a defining issue, both in US domestic politics and global geopolitics.

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