Trump Signs New Travel Ban Affecting 12 Countries Amid National Security Concerns

Critics raise alarms regarding potential isolation and constitutional challenges stemming from the ban.

Former President Donald Trump has announced a new travel ban restricting entry into the United States for nationals from 12 countries, citing national security risks. The proclamation follows Trump's previous ban issued during his first term in 2017 and emphasizes potential updates as situations evolve globally.

The list of countries affected by the ban includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Furthermore, citizens from an additional seven nations, including Burundi and Venezuela, will face partial travel restrictions. The ban will take effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m. ET, aiming to prevent the chaos seen at airports during the execution of similar regulations in the past.

The White House described these "common sense restrictions" as necessary for protecting American citizens from potential threats from under-vetted foreign nationals. Trump pointed to a recent terror incident in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national allegedly attacked a gathering, supporting his argument for heightened security measures.

Reactions to the travel ban unfolded swiftly across political and international lines. While Somalia expressed intent to collaborate with the U.S. government on security issues, Venezuelan officials claimed that residing in America poses risks for all individuals. U.S. lawmakers criticized the action, with representatives from the Democratic Party asserting that the expanded restrictions could further alienate the United States on the world stage.

The latest travel ban draws parallels to Trump's earlier policies, which faced widespread condemnation and were labeled as discriminatory against Muslims. After a series of revisions that included non-Muslim majority countries, the original ban was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. Upon taking office, President Joe Biden rescinded the ban, deeming it contrary to American values and ideals.