Washington: Trump’s travel ban, which bars citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, officially took effect at 00 ET (0500 BST) on Monday. The order, signed by Trump last week, targets nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
According to BBC, the directive also imposes partial travel restrictions on nationals from seven additional countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The travel ban, however, allows several exceptions. Individuals who may still enter the US include lawful permanent residents and their immediate family members with immigrant visas, US government employees with Special Immigrant Visas, and dual nationals not traveling on a passport from a restricted country. Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas and holders of immigrant visas for persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Iran are also exempted. Additionally, foreign nationals with certain non-immigrant visas, as well as athletes and their teams attending major sporting events, are permitted to enter under specific conditions. The US Secretary of State retains the discretion to grant exemptions on a "case-by-case" basis if it serves a US national interest.
In a video message on his Truth Social platform last week, Trump referenced a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, to illustrate the dangers posed by inadequately vetted foreign nationals. The 1 June incident involved an Egyptian national who allegedly used incendiary devices to injure twelve people at a gathering supporting Israeli hostages. Despite the attack, Egypt was not included in the list of banned countries.
Trump's order has already sparked international backlash and is expected to face legal challenges. Chad responded by suspending all visas for US citizens, while Somalia expressed a willingness to collaborate with the US on security concerns. The African Union urged the US to engage in constructive dialogue with the affected nations.
Domestically, the ban drew criticism from Democrats. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticized the expansion of Trump's earlier Muslim ban, suggesting it would further isolate the US internationally. Conversely, some supported the measure. Congressman Clay Higgins of Louisiana emphasized that travel to the US is "a privilege, not a right."