logo
Trump's new travel ban takes effect as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement

Trump's new travel ban takes effect as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement

Time of India9 hours ago

Travellers cart their luggage through the international arrivals area at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles (Image credit: AP)
US President
Donald Trump
's new ban on travel to the US by citizens from 12 mainly African and Middle Eastern countries took effect Monday amid rising tension over the president's escalating campaign of immigration enforcement.
The new proclamation, which Trump signed last week, applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also imposes heightened restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the US and don't hold a valid visa.
The new ban does not revoke visas previously issued to people from countries on the list, according to guidance issued Friday to all US diplomatic missions.
However, unless an applicant meets narrow criteria for an exemption to the ban, his or her application will be rejected starting Monday. Travelers with previously issued visas should still be able to enter the US even after the ban takes effect.
During Trump's first term, a hastily written executive order ordering the denial of entry to citizens of mainly Muslim countries created chaos at numerous airports and other ports of entry, prompting successful legal challenges and major revisions to the policy.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
No such disruption was immediately discernible at Los Angeles International Airport in the hours after the new ban took effect.
Haitian-American Elvanise Louis-Juste, who was at the airport earlier Sunday in Newark, New Jersey, awaiting a flight to her home state of Florida, said many Haitians wanting to come to the US are simply seeking to escape violence and unrest.
"I have family in Haiti, so it's pretty upsetting to see and hear," Louis-Juste, 23, said of the travel ban.
"I don't think it's a good thing. I think it's very upsetting."
Many immigration experts say the new ban is more carefully crafted and appears designed to beat court challenges that hampered the first by focusing on the visa application process.
Trump said this time that some countries had "deficient" screening for passports and other public documents or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. He relied extensively on an annual Homeland Security report of people who remain in the U.S.
after their visas expired.
Measuring overstay rates has challenged experts for decades, but the government has made a limited attempt annually since 2016. Trump's proclamation cites overstay rates for eight of the 12 banned countries.
Trump also tied the new ban to a terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. US officials say the man charged in the attack overstayed a tourist visa.
He is from Egypt, a country that is not on Trump's restricted list.
The ban was quickly denounced by groups that provide aid and resettlement help to refugees.
"This policy is not about national security - it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States," said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, a nonprofit international relief organization.
The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban does make exceptions for Afghans on Special Immigrant Visas, generally people who worked most closely with the US government during the two-decade-long war there.
Afghanistan had been one of the largest sources of resettled refugees, with about 14,000 arrivals in a 12-month period through September 2024. Trump suspended refugee resettlement his first day in office.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia resumes Umrah visa issuance from June 10: What pilgrims need to know
Saudi Arabia resumes Umrah visa issuance from June 10: What pilgrims need to know

Time of India

time15 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Saudi Arabia resumes Umrah visa issuance from June 10: What pilgrims need to know

Muslim pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Saudi Arabia has announced that it will resume issuing Umrah visas beginning Tuesday, June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446), just days after concluding what has been widely described as one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons to date. According to a confirmation by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the first wave of international pilgrims for the new Umrah season is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, June 11. Visa Issuance Timeline and Operator Deadlines The official visa issuance date of June 10 marks the formal opening of the new Umrah cycle, which will extend well into 2026 (1447H). In preparation, Umrah companies and international travel agents were instructed by the Ministry to finalize their service agreements no later than May 27 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446). This administrative requirement ensures that pilgrims will receive coordinated services upon arrival, including accommodation, transportation, and guidance, key elements that are part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience. A Seamless Transition Following a Safe and Efficient Hajj The reopening of Umrah visas comes on the heels of a successful Hajj season, which concluded in early June 2025. According to official figures shared by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, more than 1.6 million pilgrims from across the globe participated in this year's pilgrimage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 최대 할인 지원해드려요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo The scale and logistics of Hajj are immense, and this year was no exception. The season was marked by a series of well-executed safety and operational measures, contributing to smooth rituals across the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Key operational highlights included: 3,314 flights operated by 62 airlines Flights connected 238 cities in 71 countries proactive public safety campaign The success of Hajj 2025, marked by minimal disruption and efficient crowd management, has paved the way for a confident and timely return to Umrah operations. Why Umrah Visas Are Temporarily Suspended Before Hajj Saudi authorities traditionally pause Umrah visa issuance several weeks before Hajj begins. This pause is critical to ensuring that the nation's full logistical, health, and security capabilities are focused exclusively on accommodating the Hajj pilgrimage, which occurs over a concentrated time frame and involves a significantly larger number of pilgrims compared to Umrah. By suspending Umrah operations temporarily, the Kingdom ensures: Uninterrupted planning and execution of Hajj Safer conditions for all pilgrims More efficient use of resources during peak pilgrimage time Year-Round Umrah Access and What to Expect Next Unlike Hajj, which is bound to a specific Islamic lunar period, Umrah is open year-round. With visa issuance now resuming, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a fresh influx of pilgrims who wish to perform the lesser pilgrimage in the coming months. According to the Ministry, updates will continue to be released in the near future regarding: Pilgrim quotas Travel protocols Health and safety guidelines As part of its long-term vision, Saudi Arabia is expected to incorporate lessons from Hajj 2025 into the ongoing modernization and streamlining of the Umrah experience.

NRIs launch curated tour packages for Singaporeans in coastal Karnataka
NRIs launch curated tour packages for Singaporeans in coastal Karnataka

Time of India

time17 minutes ago

  • Time of India

NRIs launch curated tour packages for Singaporeans in coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru: Undeterred by the recent setback of direct flights between Mangaluru and Singapore failing to take off, Singapore-based NRIs launched an alternative strategy to boost tourism in Coastal Karnataka. Their new initiative, a series of curated tour packages for Singaporeans to Mangaluru, aims to significantly increase tourist traffic, ultimately reviving hopes for direct air connectivity. The first tour, 'Ashta Kshetra Darshan', a five-day spiritual and sightseeing journey, commences on June 13, with an inaugural batch of a small group. This marks a crucial step in showcasing the region's unique appeal. Future plans include 'Exotic Tulunadu' for adventure and beaches, and 'Rome of the East' focusing on historical churches and recreation. Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd, Singapore, curated the tour packages with an aim to promote tourism in Coastal Karnataka, and to encourage direct flights from Singapore to Coastal Karnataka. The Tulu community in Singapore was keen to promote the destination when a direct flight between Singapore and Mangaluru was announced from Jan 2025, but the withdrawn later. The 'Ashta Kshetra Darshan' is a tour of eight popular temples in Coastal Karnataka, which is offered through tour operator Udupi Vaibhav. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo A native Singaporean couple, Asokan and Mohanammbal, are excited about joining the tour as their 14-year wish to visit Kollur Mookambika temple is coming true. They are third-generation Singapore citizen of Tamil origins. "About 14 years ago, I went to Thiruvarur to my son-in-law's village where I met a local diamond merchant who gave me the picture of Kollur Amma and told me to visit her. I am excited to take this journey," shared Mohanammbal. Acharya said that this trip will be held every month, and two more packages will be introduced from Sept: Exotic Tulunadu and Rome of the East—10 churches visit, sightseeing, and recreation. "The initiative seeks support from the global Tulu community to promote tourism and strengthen the case for a direct flight between destinations. Soon we will also contact all the Indian communities here in Singapore to support it," said Acharya, adding that the tour packages aim to target more than 2 lakh Indian expats and Singaporeans.

EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Lucknow: Established under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Forest and Wildlife Department, eco-development committees (EDCs) in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are not only promoting eco-tourism but also creating new employment opportunities for local youth. These EDCs play a vital role in the socio-economic upliftment of the region while empowering local communities. Currently, eight EDCs are operating in areas such as Chuka (Selha), Barahi, and Chonka Kheda through the Tiger Reserve Foundation. These committees train local youth to serve as tourist guides, manage canteens, and conduct awareness campaigns. Beyond tourism, the EDCs also facilitate development projects in nearby villages, including the construction of roads, installation of solar lights, and development of ponds. Supported by the Tiger Reserve Foundation, the committees engage youth in tourism-related activities as well as in basic infrastructure initiatives. This approach promotes self-reliance among local communities and reinforces the model of inclusive growth. Each EDC receives an annual financial grant of approximately Rs 1 lakh from the Tiger Reserve Foundation, enabling smooth operations and the generation of local employment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo The EDCs around the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve earn between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh annually, which is reinvested into village development projects such as road construction, solar lighting, and water reservoir creation—significantly improving the villagers' quality of life. In addition to infrastructure development, the EDCs actively raise awareness about environmental conservation among both tourists and locals. These initiatives have proven highly effective in achieving the twin goals of ecological preservation and community development. With plans to expand such committees near other tiger reserves and forest zones, the state envisions increased employment opportunities and further rural development in the near future.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store