Security Concerns Prompt Sweeping Entry Restrictions
President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation that bans entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries and imposes tighter restrictions on seven others. The policy, set to take effect Monday, revives a controversial measure from Trump’s first term that was previously revoked by President Biden.
The administration justifies the move as a necessary step to protect national security. Officials cited concerns over countries that “lack proper vetting, have high visa overstay rates, or fail to share critical security information.” Afghanistan, for example, was singled out for its high student visa overstay rate and Taliban control. Trump referenced a recent firebombing incident in Boulder, Colorado, as evidence of the ongoing risks, though the suspect in that case was from Egypt—a country not included in the ban.
The new restrictions completely bar entry from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions will apply to citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Exceptions are made for lawful permanent residents, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders, diplomats, and athletes participating in major events.
Civil Rights Groups Warn of Discrimination and Chaos
The policy has drawn swift condemnation from civil rights and refugee advocacy groups. Critics argue that the ban unfairly targets entire populations and revives the turmoil seen during Trump’s original 2017 travel ban, which led to confusion and detentions at airports nationwide.
Robyn Barnard of Human Rights First called the measure “divisive and racist,” while Laurie Ball Cooper from the International Refugee Assistance Project warned it could endanger Afghan allies who supported U.S. missions and are seeking refuge. Shala Gafary, also of Human Rights First, emphasized that many affected individuals have been waiting years to reunite with family in the U.S., and now face renewed uncertainty.
As the ban’s implementation date approaches, the debate over balancing national security with civil liberties is once again front and center in American politics.
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