In a major policy decision, former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reintroducing a travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The new directive, announced Wednesday evening, is set to take effect on Monday.
According to a statement released by the White House, the proclamation “fully restricts and limits” the entry of nationals from countries deemed deficient in security screening and vetting processes, thereby posing a “very high risk” to the United States.
Countries Facing Full Travel Ban
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
In addition to the 12 fully restricted countries, the order also imposes partial restrictions on travelers from seven others, citing similarly high security concerns.
Countries Facing Partial Restrictions
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The proclamation includes exemptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, specific visa categories, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve the national interest of the United States.
The White House emphasized that the decision is based on a comprehensive assessment submitted by the Secretary of State in coordination with other top cabinet officials. The administration says the move is necessary to ensure cooperation from foreign governments and to strengthen enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to protect the nation from foreign terrorist and other national security and public safety threats,” the statement read.
Trump, who has long defended the travel ban initiated during his first term in office, reaffirmed his commitment:
“We will restore the travel ban—some people call it the Trump travel ban—and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country. The Supreme Court upheld it then, and it remains firmly within the scope of presidential authority.”
The Supreme Court previously ruled the travel ban constitutional, describing it as “squarely within the scope of presidential authority” and “expressly premised on legitimate national security objectives.”
The former president insists the ban is part of his “sacred duty” to protect the American people and prevent threats from crossing U.S. borders.
