Trump Expands Travel Ban, List May Change

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation fully banning entry to the U.S. for nationals from 12 countries—including Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen—beginning June 9, 2025. Partial restrictions apply to travelers from seven additional countries, such as Cuba and Venezuela. The administration justifies the expanded ban on national security grounds, citing concerns over insufficient screening capabilities in the affected countries. The policy revives and broadens travel restrictions from Trump's first term, previously upheld by the Supreme Court. Exceptions exist for permanent residents and some visa holders, and the White House indicates the list of banned countries may change as security assessments evolve. Critics argue the ban could separate families and disproportionately affect immigrant communities.