US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive proclamation reviving a version of the travel ban implemented during his first term, this time targeting 19 countries over national security concerns.
The updated policy, signed on Wednesday, bars entry into the United States from 12 nations outright and imposes heightened restrictions on seven others. The restrictions are set to take effect on Monday.
Trump justified the renewed measure by citing the need for enhanced vetting, stating: “We don’t want ’em. Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen.”
During his initial term, the Trump administration’s travel ban faced multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018. It was later revoked by President Joe Biden in 2021, who described the policy as “a stain on our national conscience.”
In reintroducing the ban, Trump insisted that the decision was based on national security, claiming the measure had previously helped prevent terrorist threats from reaching American borders. He also noted that exemptions would be made for athletes, their support teams, and close family members ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
🔴 Countries Facing a Full Travel Ban (12):
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
🟠 Countries with Heightened Entry Restrictions (7):
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Trump emphasised that the list of countries could be revised in the future—either expanded if additional risks are identified or reduced if governments improve their vetting systems.
He concluded, “The United States must ensure that those who enter our country do not pose threats to our citizens, institutions, or founding principles.”
