World

U.S. Imposes New Travel Restrictions on 19 Countries, Sparks Outrage

A travel ban of 12 countries from the US by President Donald Trump, national security concerns related to screening and poor vetting processes. As to protect their country from foreign terrorists and other national and public safety concerns. Also partially restricting 7 other countries.

The citizens from countries that aren’t allowed to enter into the United States include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Additionally, the countries imposed new restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

“This is about keeping America safe,” Trump said. “I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.” Cited the visa overstay rates and poor vetting process as the main reason behind the decision. Trump mentioned the countries banned, lacked reliable systems and failed to cooperate with US authorities.

Facing heavy criticism for including few countries such as Afghanistan and Haiti many Afghani citizens who work closely with the US forces were granted Special Immigrant Visas. Stated as a betrayal by the Advocates. Shawn VanDiver Founder of #AfghaEvac says “The Nation has stood by US service members for 20 years, is a moral disgrace”

The policy of banning the seven Muslim-majority nations policy that went through several restatements before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 and the proclamation will be active from June 9, 2025 at 12:01 am. The banned countries who already have valid US visas issued prior to that date can still use them, as they meet all other entry requirement