On June 4, U.S. President Donald Trump made a decision to strictly prohibit citizens of 12 countries from entering the country in order to ensure security. This was reported by Reuters, citing official sources.
In a statement from the Trump administration, it was emphasized that these restrictions were implemented to "protect the country from foreign terrorists and other dangerous forces."
The list of countries subject to the strict ban includes:
• Afghanistan
• Myanmar
• Chad
• Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen
Additionally, partial restrictions have been imposed on citizens of 7 more countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
“We will never allow anyone who intends to harm the U.S. to enter our territory,” said Donald Trump during a press conference.
When will the decision take effect?
It has been reported that this ban will take effect starting June 9, 2025. It was noted that visas issued before this date will not be canceled. Trump also indicated that he would review the list periodically and that new countries could be added.
President Trump cited the attack in Colorado as an example
According to reports, an incident that occurred on June 1 in Boulder, Colorado, was a significant factor in the decision being made. On that day, an individual threw a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators. The person accused of the attack, Egyptian citizen Muhammad Sabri Soliman, was found to have been living in the U.S. with an expired visa and without a renewed work permit.
Has this been observed before?
During his first term as president, Trump had also imposed similar restrictions. In 2017, he implemented a travel ban for citizens of 7 predominantly Muslim countries. This restriction was lifted by Joe Biden in 2021, who referred to such a decision as a "stain on the national conscience."
Trump had already warned about new restrictions in 2023
In an address in October 2023, Trump announced his intention to ban citizens from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and other countries posing a threat from entering the U.S.
Trump's next strict immigration policy is causing widespread discussions among U.S. politicians, human rights activists, and the global community. While his emphasis on security as the main reason is understandable, there is great interest in how this decision will affect human rights and international relations.
The fate of thousands of people wishing to come to the U.S. remains to be seen.
