New Trump Travel Ban Targets 12 Countries in Sweeping Immigration Crackdown
US President Donald Trump has revived a controversial policy by signing a New Trump Travel Ban. The ban affects citizens from 12 countries and takes effect Monday. Trump says the move is necessary for national security. Countries impacted include Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen.
Full Ban on 12 Nations, Partial Restrictions on 7 Others
The policy bans all travel to the US from the following nations:
Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo (Republic), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
A partial ban also applies to seven countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Only limited work visas will be granted to applicants from these nations.
Trump justified the decision by pointing to a violent attack in Colorado. He said the suspect, an undocumented immigrant, posed a serious threat. “We don’t want them,” he stated in a video posted online.
Exemptions for World Cup and Olympics Athletes
Athletes competing in major sporting events will be exempt. The ban will not apply to participants in the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, as confirmed by the White House.
Trump Draws Comparisons to 2017 Muslim Ban
Trump compared this new action to his 2017 travel ban. That earlier ban mainly targeted Muslim-majority countries and caused global travel disruption. Trump said it prevented terror attacks seen in Europe. He promised to block similar threats from reaching the US.
Criticism and Legal Backlash Expected
The New Trump Travel Ban has sparked immediate backlash. Amnesty International USA called it “discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel.” Venezuela also criticized the move, saying the US is not a safe destination.
Legal experts expect the policy to be challenged in court. Similar bans from Trump’s first term faced legal obstacles. Critics argue this new version will promote fear and division without real security benefits.
Conclusion: Controversial Move Faces Global Scrutiny
The Trump administration defends the ban as vital to US safety. However, critics warn of its humanitarian and diplomatic costs. The New Trump Travel Ban is likely to ignite fierce debate in courts, Congress, and international forums.
