Trump Signs New Travel Ban Affecting 12 Countries

Trump Signs New Travel Ban Affecting 12 Countries

What Happened

Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order banning entry into the US from 12 countries, citing national security and immigration concerns in the wake of a recent attack in Colorado. The move, echoing his infamous 2017 “Muslim ban”, blocks travel from countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, among others. The ban officially takes effect on 9 June.

The former president said the decision was necessary to stop “foreign nationals who are not properly vetted” and to prevent terror threats. The White House justified the list based on factors like “significant terrorist presence,” poor security screening, and refusal to accept deportees.

In addition to the 12 countries facing a full ban, seven more—like Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan—will face partial restrictions. However, some groups will be exempt, including athletes attending the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, permanent US residents, and Afghans with special immigrant visas.

The announcement follows a directive from Trump to US intelligence and homeland security agencies to identify countries whose citizens could pose a security risk or demonstrate hostility toward American values.

What Next

The list could grow or shrink, with a first review set for 90 days after implementation, and regular updates every 180 days. Critics are already warning of legal challenges, comparisons to the 2017 travel ban (eventually upheld by the Supreme Court), and a return to chaotic airport scenes and confusion for travellers and families.

The absence of Syria—which featured in Trump’s first ban—has raised eyebrows, especially after his recent meeting with Syrian officials. Human rights organisations and immigration advocates are gearing up for potential court battles and protests, arguing the move is discriminatory and lacks a transparent vetting rationale.

Whether this will stand as a centrepiece of Trump’s campaign messaging on immigration—or backfire as an echo of past controversy—remains to be seen. But with the policy coming into force within days, airports, airlines, and embassies are once again bracing for disruption.