U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order reinstating a travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries. The measure, which takes effect on June 9th, 2025, revives and expands policies similar to those enacted during his first term, citing national security as the primary concern.
The countries affected by the full travel ban include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Chad, Somalia, Yemen, Burma (Myanmar), Sudan, and Eritrea. In addition, partial travel restrictions have been imposed on citizens from seven other nations, among them Cuba and Venezuela.
According to the Trump administration, the action is a response to what it describes as “inadequate identity verification systems, poor cooperation with U.S. security protocols, and ongoing concerns around visa overstays.” A White House statement emphasized that the measure is designed to “strengthen border security and ensure that those entering the U.S. can be properly vetted.”
Critics argue the order may reignite fears of discrimination and xenophobia, particularly toward Muslim-majority nations and vulnerable populations seeking asylum. Human rights groups and immigration advocates have already begun organizing legal and political opposition, reminiscent of the response to the original travel bans implemented in 2017.
The move marks one of the most controversial decisions of Trump’s current term and is expected to face intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
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