Trump Expands Travel Ban to 12 Countries

President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new travel ban that fully bars entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Haiti, Sudan, and several others in Africa and the Middle East, while imposing partial restrictions on seven more. The administration justifies the policy by citing recent security threats, including a Colorado attack by an Egyptian national, though Egypt itself is not affected by the ban. The order is set to take effect on June 9, 2025, with exceptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, certain family-based and adoption visas, and athletes attending major sporting events. The policy allows for future updates to the list of affected countries based on security assessments. The announcement has triggered widespread criticism and fear among immigrant communities and has been condemned by civil rights advocates, local leaders in cities like Miami, Boston, and the Bay Area, and international bodies such as the African Union. Critics argue the ban is discriminatory, targets nonwhite and crisis-affected nations, and harms diplomatic and economic relations, while the administration maintains it is necessary for national security.