Trump's new travel ban targeting 12 countries takes effect

1 Views

A new travel ban signed by US President Donald Trump officially took effect today, Monday, 9 June.

As reported by BBC, the travel ban essentially bars nationals from 12 countries from entering the US.

These countries include: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Travellers from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – will also face partial restrictions.

Why has Trump issued the ban?

According to reports, the White House said the so-called “common sense restrictions” was meant to protect national security and prevent “dangerous foreign actors” from entering the US.

This also marks the second time Trump has implemented a broad travel ban. A similar policy was signed in 2017 during his first term, sparking widespread legal battles and protests.

Who’s still allowed to enter the country?

While the order is sweeping, it does include several exemptions. The travel ban does not apply to:

Lawful permanent US residents (green card holders)
Immediate family members of US residents who hold immigrant visas
US government employees with Special Immigrant Visas
Children being adopted by US citizens
Dual nationals when the individual is not travelling on a passport from one of the affected countries
Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas
Holders of “immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran”
Foreign nationals entering with specific non-immigrant visas
Athletes, coaches, and support staff attending major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles