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Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on 12 Countries: A Detailed Overview

On June 4, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines once again by signing an executive proclamation reinstating a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, reviving one of his most controversial policies from his previous administration. This new version of the ban, set to go into effect on June 9, 2025, has already triggered strong reactions both in the United States and abroad.

The new travel ban targets 12 countries with a complete ban on new visa issuances, including Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, partial restrictions are being placed on seven other countries, such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Laos, which will face increased scrutiny and limits on certain types of visas, such as tourist and student categories.

What’s New About This Ban?

This version of the travel ban has been framed more carefully than the 2017 version, which faced several legal challenges and was initially blocked by courts. This time, Trump's legal team has cited national security concerns, including visa overstay rates, inadequate passport verification systems, and terrorism threats, as reasons for the ban. Legal analysts suggest this policy has been strategically drafted to better withstand judicial review.

Importantly, the ban does not revoke existing visas or green cards, meaning individuals who already hold legal travel documents will still be allowed entry. The order also includes exemptions for diplomats, dual nationals, athletes, and people with urgent humanitarian needs.

Global and Domestic Reactions

The announcement sparked immediate international backlash. Countries like Chad and Iran condemned the move and began reevaluating their diplomatic ties with the U.S. Chad responded by suspending all U.S. visa services in its territory. Meanwhile, the African Union issued a formal protest, warning that such unilateral actions would affect global cooperation and increase regional instability.

Human rights groups and refugee organizations have also spoken out against the ban. Critics argue that it unfairly targets Muslim-majority and economically distressed countries, reviving fears of religious and racial discrimination. Organizations such as Oxfam and Human Rights Watch claim the ban will devastate families, hinder educational opportunities, and harm those fleeing persecution.

In the U.S., Democratic lawmakers strongly criticized the policy, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional. Civil rights groups have hinted at possible lawsuits, though the revised legal structure of this ban may make court challenges more difficult than in the past.

Impact on Immigration and Foreign Policy

The immediate consequence of the ban is a halt in the processing of thousands of pending visa applications, especially from students, family-based applicants, and workers from the affected countries. Universities and tech companies in the U.S. fear this could limit the diversity and talent pool that they rely on.

On the foreign policy front, the ban may complicate U.S. relations with several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Diplomats warn that this move could isolate the U.S. on key global issues, particularly where cooperation from these countries is essential—such as combating climate change, terrorism, and global pandemics.

Conclusion

As Trump moves closer to the 2024 Republican nomination, this reinstated travel ban signals a return to his hardline immigration stance. While it may energize parts of his political base, it also risks deepening divisions domestically and straining America’s global relationships. With legal experts calling this version more court-resistant, and global criticism mounting, the next few weeks will determine whether this policy becomes a defining issue of the 2024 election cycle—or a flashpoint for a new wave of legal and political resistance.

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