Trump’s New Travel Ban Takes Effect Monday

19 nations face new entry restrictions amid national security push and global concern.

Photo by Sebastian on Unsplash

President Donald Trump’s new travel ban goes into effect Monday, targeting nationals from 12 countries and partially restricting entry from 7 others.

The administration argues the measure is essential for national security, citing concerns about high visa overstay rates and inadequate vetting processes in these countries.(USA Today)

Countries Affected by the Ban

The full travel ban will apply to citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, partial restrictions will affect nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. (CNN)

Rationale Behind the Ban

The White House emphasized that the countries targeted for the full ban “lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information,” according to deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson. She further explained, “These commonsense restrictions are country-specific and are aimed at protecting American lives.” (CNN)

Trump himself tied the policy to a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, framing it as evidence of the danger posed by overstayed visas - even though the suspect was from Egypt, which is not included in the ban. (AP)

Criticism of the Ban

Critics of the ban argue that it unfairly targets vulnerable populations and stigmatizes entire countries. Oxfam President Abby Maxman condemned the measure, stating, “This policy is not about national security — it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.” (AP)

Furthermore, Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, described the inclusion of Afghanistan as “a moral disgrace” given the country’s history of support for U.S. military efforts. VanDiver stated, “It spits in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold.” (AP)

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What Happens Under Trump’s Travel Ban?

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