Trump Imposes Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Affecting Hundreds of Thousands

President Donald Trump announced a new and expanded travel ban restricting entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with partial restrictions on seven additional nations. The administration cited national security concerns and terrorism-related risks as justification, although experts note the actual threat posed by immigrants from these countries is extremely low. The ban has faced widespread criticism from Democrats, immigration advocates, and civil rights organizations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which called the policy overbroad, ideologically motivated, and likely to destabilize global security and harm vulnerable diaspora communities. Critics also highlight that the ban affects people fleeing dangerous regions, including U.S. allies, and may lead to family separations. The policy revives elements of Trump's earlier Muslim travel ban but includes more countries, and exceptions exist for certain visa holders and immediate family members. The ban has sparked debate over balancing national security and humanitarian concerns, with some viewing it as divisive and damaging to America's global leadership.