US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a complete travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, citing national security risks.
According to the White House, the ban affects citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Additionally, Trump has approved partial restrictions on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Fox News reported that the restrictions will take effect from June 9. However, exceptions will apply to US Green Card holders, individuals who have already been issued visas before June 9, certain visa categories, and those serving US national interests.
White House officials stated the move aligns with President Trump’s campaign pledge to protect the United States from dangerous foreign elements.
Attempt to prevent terrorist attacks
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson said, “President Trump is fulfilling his commitment to shield Americans from dangerous foreign individuals seeking to harm them.” Describing the bans as a “measure of shared understanding,” she added, “This action targets countries lacking proper vetting procedures, having high visa overstay rates, and failing to share critical threat intelligence.”
In a video posted Wednesday night, Trump linked the decision to a recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado.
“The Boulder incident exposed the extreme danger posed by foreign nationals who enter the country without proper screening or overstay their visas,” Trump said. “We do not want such individuals in our country.”
He further added, “In the 21st century, we are witnessing repeated terrorist attacks carried out by visa overstayers from some of the world’s most dangerous regions. Due to Biden’s lax policies, millions of illegal immigrants are currently living in the US who should not be here.”
Harsh measures against illegal immigrants
Among the most affected nations is Afghanistan, where the student visa overstay rate reportedly stands at 29.3%. Trump noted that the country is under Taliban rule, which the US designates as an international terrorist organisation.
Trump also accused Iran of being a state sponsor of terrorism and refusing to cooperate with US authorities. He argued that countries like Libya, Somalia, and Yemen lack stable governments capable of issuing secure travel documents.
“We cannot accept open immigration from any nation where reliable screening and vetting of travelers to the US is not possible,” Trump said.
Concluding his statement, Trump declared, “Therefore, I am signing a new executive order imposing travel bans on Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and several other nations. We will not allow individuals who intend to harm our country to enter, and nothing will stop us from keeping America safe.”
