Trump Signs Travel Ban for 12 Countries, Citing National Security Concerns

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation reinstating and expanding the U.S. travel ban, citing national security concerns and inadequate vetting processes in certain countries. The new restrictions, effective June 9, 2025, impose full entry bans on nationals from 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others.

Countries Affected by Full Entry Ban:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar (Burma)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemenen

Countries Subject to Partial Restrictions:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuelaen

The administration justifies these measures by citing high visa overstay rates and insufficient information-sharing from these countries, which hinder effective vetting and screening processes.

This move has drawn criticism from immigrant rights groups, who argue that the ban disproportionately affects individuals fleeing persecution and could further strain U.S. relations with these nations. Legal challenges are anticipated, though the Supreme Court upheld a similar travel ban in 2018.