President Donald Trump has issued a travel ban on 12 countries and added restrictions on seven others, sparking backlash from rights groups and immigration advocates.
Washington, D.C. (WE) — On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping travel ban targeting citizens from 12 nations. The new order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, 2025. In addition, seven more countries will face heightened entry restrictions.
According to the White House, the policy is designed to protect Americans from national security and public safety threats. The administration cited concerns over terrorism, extremist ideologies, and the exploitation of U.S. immigration laws.
Citizens from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen will be banned from entering the United States.
Meanwhile, travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face enhanced screening and restrictions.
In his official statement, Trump pointed to Executive Order 14161, signed on January 20. “It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks,” the order reads. Moreover, Trump emphasized the need for vigilance in the visa-issuance process.
He added that these measures ensure individuals approved to enter the U.S. do not intend to harm Americans or threaten national interests. Therefore, the administration considers the restrictions necessary.
The U.S. State Department advises Americans not to travel to these countries, even though the government does not officially bar them. In fact, most of the banned nations have a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” rating. This includes Afghanistan, Burma, the DRC, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Nevertheless, these advisories are not legally binding. U.S. citizens can still enter these countries, but they do so at their own risk.
Importantly, Trump’s 2017 travel ban also targeted many of the countries on the current list. Although it sparked intense backlash, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld its revised version in 2018.
The timing of this new policy also appears deliberate. Just days ago, a man threw a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators in Colorado. Trump cited this incident as justification for the travel ban.
However, the suspect is Egyptian—a nationality not included in the new restrictions. Consequently, critics argue the policy is inconsistent and politically motivated.
Human rights organizations were quick to condemn the move. Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, called the ban “divisive and discriminatory.” She told the Associated Press, “This policy is not about national security—it is about vilifying communities seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.”
Likewise, Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, voiced his outrage. His organization helps Afghan allies resettle in the U.S. He noted that while the U.S. may still allow Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas, it will block many of their family members from entering.
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“To include Afghanistan—a nation whose people stood beside American troops for two decades—is a moral disgrace,” VanDiver said. He added, “It spits in the face of our veterans and the values we claim to uphold.”
Elsewhere, responses were more defiant. In Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, criticized the U.S. in a televised address. He stated, “Being in the U.S. is a risk, not just for Venezuelans but for anyone. They persecute our people for no reason.”
He concluded, “If you’re foolish enough to go to the U.S., don’t expect sympathy.”
Supporters of the policy, however, argue that national security must come first. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, defended the ban on Fox News. He said, “It shows the administration is serious again about protecting our borders.”
Still, opponents insist the move is based on fear rather than facts. Ali Noorani, CEO of the National Immigration Forum, told NPR that the ban affects not only refugees, but also students and professionals. “It blocks pathways for people who contribute to our society,” he said.
In U.S. cities like San Diego, Minneapolis, and Houston, immigration lawyers are already seeing the fallout. Families are uncertain. Students with visas are in limbo. Employers are left confused.
Furthermore, legal experts say the travel ban could face new challenges in court. Although the Immigration and Nationality Act grants the president authority to bar certain foreign nationals, critics say religious and regional bias could make the policy unconstitutional.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it is evaluating legal options. Executive Director Anthony Romero stated, “This policy is driven by politics, not data. It undermines the ideals of a nation built by immigrants.”
In Congress, reaction has been predictably split. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) denounced the move, calling it “un-American” in a post on social media. “We are losing moral authority worldwide,” he wrote.
Conversely, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) supported the decision. In a press release, he stated, “President Trump is putting America first. That’s exactly what our voters expect.”
Already, embassies in affected nations have paused visa processing. Several airlines have adjusted routes and are awaiting more guidance from the Department of Homeland Security.
At the same time, immigrant advocacy groups are preparing for a surge in legal filings and emergency petitions. They warn that thousands of lives could be at risk due to the new rules.
This latest executive order also sends a strong message abroad. Trump appears determined to make immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his second term.
With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, this issue is likely to dominate the political landscape. Both supporters and critics agree—the immigration debate is far from over.
For now, affected families, international students, and humanitarian organizations must navigate another layer of uncertainty. The coming weeks will show how this sweeping policy plays out—both legally and politically—at home and around the world.
