Iran, Afghanistan & more: Trump's new travel ban kicks in amid immigration crackdown; all you need to know
.
US president Donald Trump's newly expanded travel ban on foreigners visiting US officially took effect on Monday, blocking citizens from 12 countries. The ban won't revoke visas already issued, but new applicants from listed countries will be denied unless they qualify for a rare exemption.
The administration says this move is intended to reduce terrorism and overstay-related threats, claiming that several of these countries either lack proper screening processes or have refused to take back deported nationals.
Trump linked the ban to a recent terror attack in Colorado, though the suspect in that case was from Egypt—a country not listed in the proclamation.
Human rights organisations and refugee agencies were quick to condemn the policy, calling it discriminatory and harmful to people fleeing persecution.
Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro's government condemned the travel ban, characterising it in a statement as a "stigmatisation and criminalisation campaign" against Venezuelans.
List of countries
The list includes countries mostly in Africa and the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
In addition, the order places stricter entry restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, provided they are outside the US and do not currently hold valid visas.
Exemptions
While the ban places wide restrictions on travellers from the listed countries, several categories of individuals are exempt. These include journalists, students, workers, and lecturers who hold valid employment offers or invitations from US institutions. Infants, adopted children, and individuals requiring urgent medical care may also be eligible for exemption. In addition, travellers with significant professional or business obligations in the US, as well as Canadian permanent residents applying for a US visa from within Canada, are not subject to the ban.
Impact
The travel ban has triggered deep concern among communities connected to the affected countries. In the Bay Area, where many immigrants from these nations live, people are anxious and unsure about the future. Several families are rushing to bring their loved ones to the US before the ban is fully enforced. Meanwhile, local advocacy groups are gearing up to challenge the policy in court.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Donald Trump's new travel ban takes effect: Here's what we know so far
A new travel ban issued by US President Donald Trump takes effect today. The ban, signed under Executive Order 14161 on January 20, 2025, bars citizens from 12 countries — including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran — from entering the United States. According to AFP, the ban especially impacts refugees and immigrants. Trump's administration says the move aims to 'protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors', citing national security concerns such as visa overstays and potential terrorist threats. The ban will take effect at 9.31 pm (IST) on Monday. The full entry ban applies to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Trump also imposed partial travel restrictions on seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. What does a US travel ban mean? A travel ban is a government measure that prevents people from certain countries or regions from entering a country. Under President Trump's 2025 policy, the United States introduced a ban that fully blocks citizens of 12 countries — including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia — from entering the country, no matter the reason for their visit. These bans are generally put in place for national security reasons, such as high rates of people overstaying visas, poor screening practices by foreign governments, or fears that travellers from those countries might pose a threat. The Trump administration pointed to these security issues as the reason for the 2025 ban, arguing that it was needed to keep Americans safe from possible risks posed by visitors from these countries. Reasons cited for travel ban The administration says countries included in the ban either face severe crises, have strained relations with the US, or lack 'competent' authorities to process passports and vet travelers. Trump cited an attack on Jewish protestors in Colorado by a man who allegedly overstayed his visa as a reason for tightening entry requirements. '[The attack] underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted,' Trump said. He added that Iran is listed because it is a 'state sponsor of terrorism', while other countries have high visa overstay rates or inadequate screening systems. Exceptions and legal challenges Although the ban covers a wide range of travelers, there are some exceptions: -Journalists, students, workers, and lecturers with valid offers or employment contracts in the US -Infants, adopted children, and those needing urgent medical treatment -Travelers with essential business or professional commitments in the US -Permanent residents of Canada applying for a visa from within Canada -Athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics -Diplomats The ban has sparked criticism from human rights groups, politicians, and advocacy organizations. UN rights chief Volker Turk said, 'The broad and sweeping nature of the new travel ban raises concerns from the perspective of international law.' Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, who is Iranian-American, also spoke out: 'I know the pain that Trump's cruel and xenophobic travel bans inflict because my family has felt it firsthand. We will fight this ban with everything we have.' The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward filed a class action lawsuit, JGG vs Trump, seeking to block the policy in the District Court for the District of Columbia. The Venezuelan government also condemned the ban as unjust. Looking ahead: More countries next? While the ban does not affect existing visa holders, new applicants from the listed countries face tough restrictions. US officials have warned that new countries could be added 'as threats emerge around the world'. Sectors such as healthcare, STEM, and education may face challenges as the ban limits the arrival of foreign workers. As the policy takes effect, advocacy groups and affected families continue to fight its impact in court and in their communities. [With agency inputs]
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Iran, Afghanistan & more: Trump's new travel ban kicks in amid immigration crackdown; all you need to know
. US president Donald Trump's newly expanded travel ban on foreigners visiting US officially took effect on Monday, blocking citizens from 12 countries. The ban won't revoke visas already issued, but new applicants from listed countries will be denied unless they qualify for a rare exemption. The administration says this move is intended to reduce terrorism and overstay-related threats, claiming that several of these countries either lack proper screening processes or have refused to take back deported nationals. Trump linked the ban to a recent terror attack in Colorado, though the suspect in that case was from Egypt—a country not listed in the proclamation. Human rights organisations and refugee agencies were quick to condemn the policy, calling it discriminatory and harmful to people fleeing persecution. Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro's government condemned the travel ban, characterising it in a statement as a "stigmatisation and criminalisation campaign" against Venezuelans. List of countries The list includes countries mostly in Africa and the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, the order places stricter entry restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, provided they are outside the US and do not currently hold valid visas. Exemptions While the ban places wide restrictions on travellers from the listed countries, several categories of individuals are exempt. These include journalists, students, workers, and lecturers who hold valid employment offers or invitations from US institutions. Infants, adopted children, and individuals requiring urgent medical care may also be eligible for exemption. In addition, travellers with significant professional or business obligations in the US, as well as Canadian permanent residents applying for a US visa from within Canada, are not subject to the ban. Impact The travel ban has triggered deep concern among communities connected to the affected countries. In the Bay Area, where many immigrants from these nations live, people are anxious and unsure about the future. Several families are rushing to bring their loved ones to the US before the ban is fully enforced. Meanwhile, local advocacy groups are gearing up to challenge the policy in court.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
US: Donald Trump's travel ban on 12 countries kicks in; who's barred and what to know
1 2 On June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM ET, US President Donald Trump's revamped travel ban officially came into effect, ushering in sweeping restrictions on citizens from 12 countries and partial limitations for seven others. What the ban does Full entry ban for 12 countries Nationals from the following countries are now barred entirely from entering the US and are ineligible for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas: Afghanistan Myanmar (Burma) Chad Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Partial restrictions for 7 countries Citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face partial restrictions on certain visa types—namely tourist, student, and exchange visas. Other visa categories may still be issued, albeit with potentially reduced validity periods. Why it was issued The administration positions the proclamation as a response to national security weaknesses, including: Inadequate vetting infrastructure—the targeted nations reportedly lack robust passport screening, immigration data-sharing, and cooperation with US enforcement. High visa overstay rates—a factor highlighted as increasing security risks. Terror-linked incidents—Trump specifically cited an attack in Boulder, Colorado, by an visa-overstaying Egyptian national (Egypt not on the ban) as justification. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Read more: 6 offbeat beaches in India for a crowd-free dip Who is exempt Certain categories are explicitly exempted from the ban: Individuals already in the US with valid visas Lawful permanent residents Dual nationals (using passports from nonbanned countries) Diplomats and official visa holders Specific exceptions like athletes, teachers, and researchers (e.g., those heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Olympics) Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas (for translators and embassy staff) are also exempted. Critics argue that this ban is draconian and discriminatory. They characterise it as a renewed version of a divisive policy that has prompted protests and opposition from lawmakers, rights groups, and several countries. Supporters claim it's a necessary step to safeguard national security and protect American citizens. Read more: 7 incredible hill stations in South India that can rival Himachal's charm While nationals from the 12 fully banned countries are barred entry, those from the partially restricted seven can still apply for certain types of visas. Existing visa-holders, along with green-card holders and other exempt individuals, aren't impacted. Embassies have been instructed not to revoke current visas but to deny pending applications unless they qualify for exemptions. The ban has raised concerns that it could disrupt refugee processing, deeply affect families seeking reunification, and complicate academic and humanitarian exchanges. Legal challenges are expected, echoing prior litigation over similar policies. Meanwhile, the administration says the list of affected countries is dynamic—subject to future amendments based on improvements in vetting systems or shifting threat assessments. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
