In a major immigration policy change, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new order banning people from 12 countries from entering the United States. This decision is meant to protect the country from foreign terrorists and other serious threats, according to Trump.
The new order will take effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time. Anyone who already has a valid visa will not be affected. However, people from these countries will no longer be able to apply for a new visa or enter the U.S. under normal conditions.
Countries Affected by the Ban
The travel ban affects nationals from the following 12 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, Venezuela will also face partial restrictions.
Reasons for the Travel Ban
Donald Trump explained that these countries were selected because of the following reasons:
- They have a strong terrorist presence or connections.
- They do not share security information with the U.S. properly.
- They have weak systems to check the identity and background of travelers.
- Many travelers from these countries overstay their visas in the U.S.
Trump said in a video on X (formerly Twitter), “We will not allow people into our country who want to do us harm.” He added that more countries could be added in the future.
Security Example Cited by Trump
Trump referred to a recent incident in Boulder, Colorado, where a man threw a gasoline bomb at a group of pro-Israel protesters. The suspect, an Egyptian national named Mohamed Sabry Soliman, had overstayed his tourist visa and was living in the U.S. illegally. Although Egypt is not on the list, this case was used to explain why strong border policies are important.
Reaction from Other Countries
The decision caused mixed reactions globally.
- Somalia said it wants to work with the U.S. to solve security problems. A Somali ambassador said, “We are ready to talk and find a solution.”
- Venezuela reacted strongly. Its Interior Minister called the U.S. “fascist” and warned Venezuelans that “being in the United States is a big risk.”
- Myanmar and Laos did not immediately respond to questions about the ban.
Background: Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
This is not Trump’s first travel ban. During his first term in 2017, he introduced a similar ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. After a legal battle, the U.S. Supreme Court approved it in 2018. When Joe Biden became president, he removed that ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
Trump has promised stricter immigration controls in his second term. In January 2025, he signed an executive order asking U.S. security agencies to identify countries that fail to share important security information. In March, news reports said the administration was thinking about banning travel from even more countries.
Trump Warns of More Travel Bans
- Breaking News: Trump has ordered a new travel ban affecting 12 countries.
- Daily news highlights: This is part of a wider plan to make immigration laws stricter in the U.S.
- Travelers with visas issued before June 9, 2025, will still be allowed.
- Some countries may see partial bans, like Venezuela.
- The list of countries could grow in the future.
This new travel policy is a major shift in U.S. immigration, sparking debates both in America and across the world. As the date for the ban draws near, many are waiting to see how it will affect families, travel plans, and diplomatic ties.