President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reinstating and expanding US travel restrictions, citing national security risks. Here’s the complete information related to the travel ban:
Countries Affected:
– Full Travel Ban: 12 countries are subject to a full entry ban, including :
– Countries with Significant Security Risks:
– Afghanistan, due to the Taliban’s control and lack of competent authority for issuing passports or civil documents
– Iran, citing its hostile attitude towards the US and inadequate screening and vetting measures
– Somalia, due to its high risk of terrorism and inadequate identity-management and information-sharing capabilities
– Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, due to their unstable situations and security concerns
– Other Countries:
– Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, and Haiti
– Partial Travel Restrictions: 7 countries face partial limitations, including:
– Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
Reasoning Behind the Ban:
The ban aims to protect national security and the American public by restricting entry from countries with inadequate screening and vetting protocols, high visa overstay rates, or failure to share identity and threat information. Trump cited a recent Colorado attack as part of his reasoning for the ban, stating that it underscores the extreme dangers posed to the country by foreign nationals who are not properly vetted .
Exceptions to the Ban:
– Lawful permanent residents
– Athletes and athletic team members
– Valid passport or visa holders
– Individuals whose entry serves US national interests
– Diplomatic, U.N., or NATO visa holders
– Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
– Immediate family member immigrant visas
– Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees
– Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities in Iran
Effective Date:
The restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on June 9 .