On June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new executive order reinstating and expanding a travel ban, fully restricting entry to the U.S. for nationals from 12 countries and partially restricting travel from seven others. The order, set to take effect on June 9, is presented as a national security measure, citing concerns about terrorism and inadequate vetting processes in the affected countries.
The 12 countries subject to the full travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, seven countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions, including limitations on certain visa categories.
President Trump justified the policy by referencing a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly perpetrated by an Egyptian national. However, Egypt is not among the countries listed in the ban. The administration argues that the affected nations have deficient documentation systems and lack cooperation in deportation processes, posing potential security threats.
Critics have condemned the move as discriminatory and harmful to immigrant communities. Organizations such as Oxfam America and AfghanEvac have expressed concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations. The African Union, representing several of the banned countries, has urged the U.S. to reconsider the policy, emphasizing the importance of balanced and consultative approaches to international relations.
This travel ban echoes a similar policy from Trump’s first term, which faced legal challenges but was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. The new order includes clearer guidelines and exemptions for certain groups, such as green card holders and diplomats, aiming to avoid the confusion and legal disputes that accompanied the previous iteration.
