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Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump travel ban: US imposes entry ban on 12 nations, adds restrictions on 7 others
US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reintroducing a sweeping travel ban on nationals from 12 countries and imposing restrictions on travellers from seven others. The order, announced late Wednesday, takes effect from 12:01 a.m. Monday. 'The Proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from 12 countries found to be deficient with regard to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States,' the White House said in a statement. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson added, 'President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm.' The list stems from a January 20 executive order requiring US agencies to assess whether foreign nations exhibit 'hostile attitudes' or represent entry risks. Which countries are on the ban list? Twelve nations face full entry bans. These are: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Live Events Afghanistan The country is governed by the Taliban, designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group. It lacks central authority and credible screening systems. Overstay rates remain high—9.7% for B1/B2 visas and 29.3% for student/exchange visas. Burma (Myanmar) Overstay rates top 27% for tourists and 42% for students and exchange visitors. The US has also criticised Burma's failure to cooperate in accepting deported nationals. Chad According to the 2023 Overstay Report, Chad recorded a 49.54% overstay rate for business/tourist visas and 55.64% for student visas. The 2022 figures were similarly high, described by the US as a "blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws". Republic of the Congo Business/tourist overstay rate is 29.63%, and student-related overstays are at 35.14%. Equatorial Guinea Tourist overstays are 21.98%, but 70.18% of students and exchange visitors overstayed—one of the highest rates reported. Eritrea The US cited poor documentation, no access to criminal records, and a history of refusal to accept deportees. Visa overstay rates exceed 20% for tourists and 55% for students. Haiti Haiti's tourist overstay rate is 31.38%. The student visa overstay rate is lower at 25.05%, but the US pointed to mass illegal migration during Biden's term as a compounding issue. Iran Labelled a state sponsor of terrorism, Iran is accused of failing to cooperate on security and repatriation. The White House considers it a high-risk origin for terrorism. Libya Lacking a functioning government or vetting systems, Libya also has a long-standing terrorist presence, which, the White House claims, poses a continued threat. Somalia Called a terrorist safe haven, Somalia lacks control over its territory. Its government struggles to regulate movement or process civil documentation, according to the US. Overstay figures weren't published, but past data and refusal to accept deportees were cited. Sudan Visa overstay rates are 26.3% for business travellers and 28.4% for students. Similar to Somalia, Sudan lacks centralised control and functional documentation procedures. Yemen Yemen's government has little territorial control. The country has been an active site of US military operations since January 2025. The White House says no reliable vetting is possible. Who faces partial restrictions? The travel order also imposes limited restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. These nations are cited as posing a 'high level of risk,' though the proclamation does not completely ban entry. A political flashback to 2017 Trump's move mirrors his controversial 2017 travel ban, which affected seven Muslim-majority nations and caused chaos at US airports. That ban was revised several times before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Joe Biden revoked the policy in 2021, calling it 'a stain on our national conscience.' The new list includes several African countries—10 out of 19—with nine being majority Black African nations. Critics have noted that many, such as Sierra Leone and Togo, have no known extremist threats to the West. Trump defended the renewed action, saying in his proclamation, 'I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.' Trump: 'We don't want 'em' In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump referred to a recent incident in Colorado, where an Egyptian national was accused of firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators. Egypt is not on the travel ban list, but Trump used the case to underscore his point. 'We don't want 'em,' he said. 'There has been one terror attack after another carried out by foreign visa stayers from dangerous places.' He went on to blame Biden's 'open-door policies' for letting 'millions of illegals' enter the country. The strength of restrictions, he explained, 'depends on the severity of the threat posed,' adding that the list 'is subject to revision' if countries improve screening standards. The ban is set to begin on Monday, but its implementation could face legal challenges or diplomatic backlash. The announcement also signals a return to hardline immigration policies, which could become a cornerstone of Trump's 2024 campaign messaging. For now, nationals from 19 countries will face a sharply limited path to US entry—some barred entirely, others under heavy scrutiny. The focus, according to Trump, is national security. The impact, however, will be felt by thousands seeking education, refuge, business, or family reunions across US borders.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump travel ban: US bars entry of nationals from 12 countries. Who is on the list?
US President Donald Trump (fie Image) US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation implementing a travel ban from nationals of 12 countries, citing national security risks, according to the White House. "The Proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from 12 countries found to be deficient with regard to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States," the White House said in a statement. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson posted on X: "President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm." During his initial presidency, Trump introduced restrictions on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim countries, a policy that underwent several revisions before receiving Supreme Court approval in 2018. However, his successor, Democratic President Joe Biden, abolished these restrictions in 2021, stating it was "a stain on our national conscience." Which are the 12 countries? Afghanistan : The Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, controls Afghanistan. Afghanistan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. According to the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report ('Overstay Report'), Afghanistan had a business/tourist (B1/B2) visa overstay rate of 9.70 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 29.30 percent, the White House said in a statement. Burma : According to the US citing Overstay Report, Burma had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 27.07 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 42.17 percent. Additionally, Burma has historically not cooperated with the United States to accept back their removable nationals. Chad : "According to the Overstay Report, Chad had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 49.54 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 55.64 percent. According to the Fiscal Year 2022 Overstay Report, Chad had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 37.12 percent. The high visa overstay rate for 2022 and 2023 is unacceptable and indicates a blatant disregard for US immigration laws," as per the statement released by the White House. Republic of the Congo : According to the Overstay Report, the Republic of the Congo had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 29.63 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.14 percent. Equatorial Guinea : "According to the Overstay Report, Equatorial Guinea had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 21.98 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 70.18 percent," the statement read. Eritrea : The United States questions the competence of the central authority for issuance of passports or civil documents in Eritrea. Criminal records are not available to the United States for Eritrean nationals. Eritrea has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals. According to the Overstay Report, Eritrea had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 20.09 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 55.43 percent. Haiti : According to the Overstay Report, Haiti had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 31.38 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 25.05 percent. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden Administration. This influx harms American communities by creating acute risks of increased overstay rates, establishment of criminal networks, and other national security threats. As is widely known, Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States. Iran : Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism. Iran regularly fails to cooperate with the United States Government in identifying security risks, is the source of significant terrorism around the world, and has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals, as per the statement released by the White House. Libya : There is no competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents in Libya. The historical terrorist presence within Libya's territory amplifies the risks posed by the entry into the United States of its nationals. Somalia : "Somalia lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. Somalia stands apart from other countries in the degree to which its government lacks command and control of its territory, which greatly limits the effectiveness of its national capabilities in a variety of respects. A persistent terrorist threat also emanates from Somalia's territory. The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven. Terrorists use regions of Somalia as safe havens from which they plan, facilitate, and conduct their operations. Somalia also remains a destination for individuals attempting to join terrorist groups that threaten the national security of the United States. The Government of Somalia struggles to provide governance needed to limit terrorists' freedom of movement. Additionally, Somalia has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals," the statement reads. Sudan : Sudan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures, the White House said in a statement. According to the Overstay Report, Sudan had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 26.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 28.40 percent. Yemen : Yemen lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. The government does not have physical control over its own territory. Since January 20, 2025, Yemen has been the site of active US military operations. The Proclamation partially also restrict and limit the entry of nationals from 7 countries who also pose a high level of risk to the United States. Trump's order partially restricts travel from 7 other countries: Which are they? Burundi: According to the White House citing Overstay Report, Burundi had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 15.35 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 17.52 percent. Cuba: Cuba is a state sponsor of terrorism. The Government of Cuba does not cooperate or share sufficient law enforcement information with the United States. Cuba has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals. According to the Overstay Report, Cuba had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 7.69 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 18.75 percent. Laos: According to the Overstay Report, Laos had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 34.77 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 6.49 percent. Laos has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals. Sierra Leone: According to the Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 15.43 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent. Sierra Leone has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals. Togo: According to the Overstay Report, Togo had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 19.03 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.05 percent. Turkmenistan: According to the White House citing Overstay Report, Turkmenistan had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 15.35 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.74 percent. Venezuela: As per the White House's statement, Venezuela lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. Venezuela has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals. According to the Overstay Report, Venezuela had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 9.83 percent.
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Business Standard
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Indian Rupee opens 12 paise higher at 85.33/$ amid steady FII inflows
The Indian Rupee opened stronger on Monday, supported by steady foreign portfolio investment inflows into equities and a dip in oil prices, following a loss triggered by escalating border tensions. The domestic currency opened 12 paise higher at 85.33 after ending at 85.45 against the greenback on Friday. With three sessions remaining in this month, the currency is on track to end April with gains of 0.20 per cent. On Friday, the Indian rupee lost momentum with tensions between India and Pakistan escalating after a ceasefire violation across the Line of Control (LoC) by Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) continued to buy equities for the eighth consecutive day on Friday. Global funds bought stocks worth ₹2,952.33, taking the eight-day purchase to ₹32,500 crore. FPIs have consistently bought Indian shares, selling dollars on any uptick, Anil Kumar Bhansali, head of treasury and executive director at Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, noted. Pakistan tensions have kept the rupee on the edge with uncertainty prevailing on strikes by India at Pakistan Terrorist outlets, he said. Amid the volatility, India's underlying economic fundamentals provided crucial support for the rupee, Amit Pabari, managing director at CR Forex Advisors, said. This steady rise in reserves enhances India's import cover, providing a crucial buffer against external shocks and lending stability to the rupee, he said. "In parallel, robust equity inflows—amounting to ₹5,425.58 crore—signalled sustained investor confidence in the Indian economy, offering an additional layer of strength to the domestic currency." Looking ahead, the dollar-rupee pair is expected to remain volatile, Pabari said. "Strong domestic fundamentals, such as rising forex reserves and healthy capital inflows, are likely to support the rupee... Technically, dollar-rupee has strong support between 85.00 and 85.20 levels, and it could move towards the 85.80–86.20 range." Meanwhile, the dollar index — a measure of the value of the US dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies — was up 0.19 per cent at 99.66, as of 9:15 AM IST. The ongoing global trade tension is weighing on the dollar index, keeping it anchored around the 99 level, and indirectly benefiting the rupee by curbing dollar strength, Pabari said. Crude oil prices dipped on Monday geopolitical developments in Iran weighed on sentiments. Brent crude oil was up 0.27 per cent to $67.05 per barrel, while WTI crude was up 0.35 per cent at 63.24 per barrel as of 9:20 AM IST.
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
"It is a heart-wrenching, cowardly attack": Former TN BJP President Annamalai
Reacting to the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, former Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai condemned the incident, calling it a shocking and cowardly act targeting innocent people.
Al Mjhar
29-03-2025
- Business
- Al Mjhar
Trump Orders Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil to Counter Maduro Regime and Tren de Aragua Threat
Washington, D.C. - March 25, 2025: President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order imposing a potential 25% tariff on goods from countries importing Venezuelan oil, effective April 2, 2025. The measure, authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, targets nations supporting Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro regime, which the U.S. deems a persistent threat to national security and foreign policy. The order cites the Maduro regime's destabilizing actions, including its failure to curb the Tren de Aragua gang—a Venezuelan-origin transnational criminal group designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization—and its role in exacerbating illegal immigration into the U.S. The administration links these issues to the gang's infiltration of American cities, facilitated by prior open-border policies, and Venezuela's broader humanitarian and democratic crises. Starting April 2, 2025, the Secretary of State, in consultation with other key officials, may impose the tariff on any country importing Venezuelan oil directly or indirectly. The tariff, supplemental to existing sanctions, will lapse one year after a country ceases such imports, or earlier at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. The order also includes provisions to apply tariffs to Hong Kong and Macau if imposed on China, aiming to prevent evasion. This action builds on previous sanctions, including Executive Order 13692 (2015) and subsequent measures, reinforcing U.S. efforts to pressure Maduro's regime over election suppression, economic mismanagement, and regional instability. The Departments of State and Commerce will oversee enforcement and provide periodic reports to assess the tariffs' impact.
