Washington, D.C. –President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new travel ban, blocking entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries. The decision, unveiled in a video posted on his social media platform Truth Social, has drawn immediate criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments, with legal challenges already in motion.
“This is about protecting Americans from dangerous foreign actors,” Mr Trump said in the statement, citing Sunday’s deadly attack in Colorado. The suspect in that case, however, is an Egyptian national and Egypt is not among the countries listed in the ban.
The ban, set to take effect on 9 June, applies to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. A further seven nations, including Cuba and Venezuela, face partial restrictions, mostly affecting tourists, students and business travellers.
While Mr Trump pointed to terrorism threats as a key motive, many of the countries on the list are not officially recognised by the US government as state sponsors of terrorism. Only Iran appears on that list.
He also cited concerns about the quality of passport systems and cooperation in deportation processes. “If a country refuses to take back its criminals, we have no choice but to act,” Mr Trump said.
Echoes of 2017
The move is seen by many as a revival of Trump’s controversial 2017 executive order, which barred travellers from several Muslim-majority nations. That order was condemned widely and faced multiple court battles before a modified version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
This new proclamation running nearly 4,500 words fulfills a key campaign promise from Trump’s 2024 re-election bid. His allies argue it’s a necessary step to tighten border controls. Critics say it revives discriminatory policies under a new name.
“This is not security policy. It’s political theatre,” said Robyn Barnard, Senior Director of Refugee Advocacy at Human Rights First. “The ban will harm refugees, asylum seekers and families who’ve been waiting years to reunite.”
Amnesty International was more blunt, calling the order “discriminatory, racist and downright cruel”.
Haiti Among Most Affected
One of the most controversial inclusions is Haiti, where the country remains paralysed by gang violence, political turmoil and humanitarian collapse. Many Haitians had been allowed to stay in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a designation that shields nationals from countries in crisis from deportation.
“To see Haiti targeted now after the US helped shape its leadership and backed its fragile government feels like abandonment,” said, a correspondent covering Central America. “It’s like kicking a nation when it’s already down.”
Exemptions for Athletes, Minority Groups
Not everyone from the listed countries will be barred. The order makes room for exceptions particularly for those attending major international sporting events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, both due to be held in North America.
Athletes, coaches, support staff and their close relatives are exempt if their travel is approved by the Secretary of State.
Some religious and ethnic minorities facing persecution in Iran are also among those who may be considered for exemptions, though the criteria remain vague.
Mixed Global Reaction
Reactions have varied sharply. Venezuela’s foreign ministry called the ban “an act of supremacist arrogance”, while officials in Somalia said they would “engage in diplomatic dialogue” to challenge the designation.
Legal experts predict a wave of lawsuits, arguing that the ban violates constitutional protections and international law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already confirmed it is preparing to file suit.
“This ban is built on the same faulty logic as the last one,” said Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project. “We’re ready to fight it again.”
A Broader Immigration Crackdown
The travel ban was just one of several immigration-related moves announced by the White House this week. Trump also signed an executive order limiting student visas at elite universities and launched a formal inquiry into what he claims was a “conspiracy” to hide former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline a charge unaccompanied by evidence.
Critics say it’s all part of a broader strategy to appeal to his base as he prepares for a second term.
“He’s recycling the same playbook stir fear, scapegoat foreigners, and call it security,” said political analyst.
Still, Trump’s supporters believe the policy delivers exactly what was promised.
“He said he’d put Americans first. That’s what this is,” said Senator Josh Hawley, a vocal ally.
What’s Next?
With just days until the ban comes into force, confusion reigns for thousands of families, students, and workers caught in the policy’s path. For some, it may mean missing long-awaited reunions. For others, the end of a dream.
As court battles loom and protests mount, one thing is certain: Trump’s hardline immigration stance remains as divisive and as politically potent as ever.
