Travel Ban Threatens Lifesaving Surgeries for Haitian Children

President Donald Trump's new travel ban, effective Monday, blocks entry to the U.S. from 12 countries, including Haiti, and imposes partial restrictions on seven others. Medical professionals and aid organizations warn the ban lacks clear exemptions for critically ill patients, such as Haitian children with severe heart conditions needing urgent surgeries. The International Cardiac Alliance has over 300 Haitian children on its waitlist and cautions that urgent procedures might be canceled, risking preventable deaths. Other groups, including the Global Medical Relief Fund, are concerned that children from affected countries may be denied access to vital medical care. While the executive order allows for some exceptions, it is unclear if medical cases qualify, heightening uncertainty for patients and families. The policy has drawn condemnation from international leaders and humanitarian advocates over its potentially life-threatening consequences for vulnerable children.