Former US President Donald Trump has reintroduced a sweeping travel ban, targeting citizens from 12 countries and partially restricting travellers from 7 more, citing national security concerns. The executive order, signed on Wednesday, revives a policy reminiscent of his first-term travel ban that drew global backlash.
The full ban affects nationals from Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, Congo (Republic), Myanmar, Haiti, and Equatorial Guinea. A partial ban applies to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Both measures take effect Monday, the White House confirmed.
The move follows a recent flamethrower-style attack during a Jewish protest in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an undocumented immigrant. “We must protect our country from foreign nationals who are not properly vetted,” Trump said in a video posted on X, vowing to prioritise “law-abiding Americans” over “potential threats.”
The new bans have reignited debates around immigration, civil liberties, and religious discrimination. Critics have drawn parallels to Trump’s 2017 travel ban, widely perceived as targeting Muslim-majority countries, while supporters argue it strengthens border control and homeland security.
