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Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on Nationals from 12 Countries
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order banning travel to the United States from nationals of 12 countries, citing national security risks. The measure, announced by the White House, marks the second time Trump has enacted such restrictions during his presidency. According to the proclamation, an additional seven countries will be subject to partial travel restrictions. The new order is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday and will be reviewed periodically. No specific end date has been given. Countries Affected by the Ban The 12 countries facing full travel bans include: Seven other countries will face partial restrictions: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela Security Justifications and Context The White House stated the bans are 'common-sense restrictions' intended to protect Americans from 'dangerous foreign actors.' The move comes just days after an alleged terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national injured 12 people during a rally in support of Israeli hostages. In a video posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump said the attack underscored the threat posed by individuals who had not been 'properly vetted.' Notably, Egypt is not among the countries listed in the new order. Trump has previously described Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as his 'favourite dictator.' Exemptions The order includes specific exemptions for certain individuals, including: In addition, the Secretary of State may approve individual exemptions on a case-by-case basis if deemed in the national interest. Reactions and Legal Outlook The order has sparked swift criticism both domestically and internationally. Somalia's ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan Abdi, reaffirmed his country's commitment to collaborating with the U.S. on security matters. Meanwhile, Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, warned that 'being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans.' U.S. Democrats also strongly condemned the decision. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) called it 'an expansion of Trump's Muslim ban' that further isolates the U.S. on the global stage. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) accused Trump of betraying the ideals of America's founders. Human rights organizations echoed these concerns. Amnesty International USA labeled the move 'discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel,' while Human Rights First called it 'another anti-immigrant and punitive action.' A Familiar Policy Revived Trump's original travel ban, issued in 2017, targeted several Muslim-majority countries and faced immediate legal challenges. After a series of revisions—including the addition of non-Muslim-majority nations such as North Korea and Venezuela—the ban was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden rescinded the ban in 2021, referring to it as 'a stain on our national conscience.' Trump's new order, while likely to face legal scrutiny, signals a return to one of the most controversial policies of his first term as he seeks re-election.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
How Many Democrats Have Died In Office This Session?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The death of Representative Gerry Connolly on Wednesday marks the third death of a Democratic lawmaker since November's elections. Two experts spoke to Newsweek about the future generations of Democratic leaders. Why It Matters Democrats were already the minority in the House of Representatives following Donald Trump's presidential victory, which helped down-ballot candidates. The multiple deaths since then now give Republicans 220 seats in the chamber compared to 212 for Democrats, with the three vacancies still requiring special elections. What To Know Connolly's family announced Wednesday morning that the longtime legislator, 75, died. He had represented northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, since 2009. Last year, the congressman announced he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) speaks at a press conference outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025, in Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) speaks at a press conference outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025, in Washington, amid concerns regarding his age and health, Connolly ran for a top-ranking position on the House Oversight Committee—one of Congress' most prominent committees—in December and was victorious against 35-year-old New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by a 131-84 margin. Connolly was backed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In April, Connolly stepped down from his role on the committee and stated he would not seek reelection in 2026. "When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency," Connolly said at the time. "After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I'll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace." Ocasio-Cortez said earlier this month that she had no intent to again seek a top spot on the committee. Sylvester Turner Representative Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, died in March at age 70. He was just two months into his first congressional term after being elected in November to represent Texas's 18th district. After serving as Houston's mayor for eight years, Turner successfully ran to fill the seat of the late Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in July 2024 from pancreatic cancer. Raúl Grijalva About one week following Turner's death, Arizona Representative Raúl Grijalva died at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer treatments. Grijalva was the dean of Arizona's congressional delegation, first elected in 2002, and at one point served as a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He chaired the House Natural Resources Committee from 2019 to 2023. Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 12 sitting congressional members died. What People Are Saying Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics in Virginia, to Newsweek: "Gerry had enormous energy, passion, and persistence. Democrats today need those qualities more than ever, so his death is a significant loss for the party and Congress. Every vote counts in this closely divided Congress. The three Democratic deaths mean Republicans have an easier time passing Trump's agenda. Easier, not easy. "The image of the Democrats today is geriatric. Their backing from the youngest voters weakened in 2024 (Catalist). The party needs not just to recruit younger candidates. Democrats must push them to the front, to the TV cameras, to lead the charge." Patricia Crouse, political scientist in residence at the University of New Haven, to Newsweek on Wednesday: "I think an aging Congress is an issue for both parties. The underlying issue is that incumbents are reelected at a rate of 95-98 percent. I am not sure that is more of a problem with the parties or the American electorate, but as long as that continues, Congress will continue to age. "Having said that, you can look at how David Hogg has been treated by the DNC and see that they are not ready for the younger generation to take the reins of the party." What Happens Next Special elections will fill the vacant seats, but the lack of urgency could hurt Democrats as Trump attempts to pass frameworks of his agenda—including the currently deliberated "Big Beautiful Bill" making its way through Congress. Texas Governor Greg Abbott set November 4 as the special election date to fill Turner's congressional seat.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Rep. Gerry Connolly Dies Aged 75
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) has died, the congressman's family said in a statement. He was 75. The Connolly family described him as "our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant". They said he passed away "peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family." Connolly had announced late last year that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He stepped down from the House Oversight Committee in April and said he would not seek reelection in 2026 after his cancer returned. The Democrat said at the time that "the sun is setting on my time in public service". This is a breaking news story and more information will be available soon.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian-origin politicians push for domestic H-1B visa renewal, major MAGA row triggered
Several Indian-origin Congressmen pushed for domestic renewal of H-1B visa. Several Indian-origin politicians, including Ro Khanna (D-California), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), have pushed for doemstic H-1B visa renewal arguing that this should be integrated with the immigration department, after its successful pilot project in 2024. Their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already become a bone of contention as several MAGA supporters including Laura Loomer, Steve Bannon, think H-1B, the program that allows US companies to hire skilled immigrants, should be stopped in favor of America First. "The current system (of visa renewal), which requires most non-immigrant visa holders to leave the country for renewals, disrupts lives, strains consular resources abroad, causes undue financial burdens on workers, and creates uncertainty for UD companies relying on these talented individuals," the letter said. "By reinstating and expanding domestic visa renewals, this backlog can be alleviated, increasing efficiency and providing greater certainty for US employers, workers, and students," the letter said. — fluminabbylonis (@fluminabbylonis) Apart from the three Indian-origin Congressmen, Rich McCormick, Hank Johnson Jr, Don Bacon, Sanford D Bishop Jr signed the letter. "Every name on that letter is that of a traitor to this country, and we won't forget it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gạch lát sàn cao su không cần keo – xu hướng mới nhất tại Việt Nam! Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay Undo My American suburb is now almost entirely Indian. My home has been turned into a foreign land. We are being conquered, and these sellouts are enabling it. End H1B. End birthright citizenship," one wrote slamming the demand. "Hey #MAGA they're voting to import MORE foreign workers to take more American jobs. Is that what you voted for? These liars are all #AmericaLast," another wrote. "Disgusting traitors need to be primaried," a third user wrote. What is the domestic visa renewal program? The Domestic Visa Renewal Program is a Department of State initiative that allows certain nonimmigrant visa holders, such as those with H-1B visas, to renew their visas within the United States without needing to travel abroad to a US consulate or embassy for processing. This program marks a significant shift from the traditional process, which often requires visa holders to leave the US, attend an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad, and potentially face delays due to visa backlogs or travel restrictions. The program aims to reduce the burden on visa holders who need to renew their visas by allowing them to do so domestically, thereby avoiding international travel, potential delays at overseas consulates, and disruptions to their work or personal lives in the US. A pilot program on this ran from January 29, 2024 to APRIL 1, 2024 and catered to 20,000 H-1B visa applications.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Never seen anybody this incompetent': Sen. Warner says Hegseth is the 'worst' Defense Secretary
President Trump nominated Mike Waltz for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations after removing him as National Security Advisor. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) joins Chris Jansing to share why he believes Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should also be removed, saying incidents like Signalgate are making the nation "less safe."
