President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation restricting travel to the US from 19 countries, citing national security concerns. The ban, which takes effect on June 9, will fully restrict entry of nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Nationals from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – will face partial restrictions.
The proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests. Trump stated that the list is subject to revision based on material improvements or emerging threats. The decision has sparked criticism from affected countries and human rights organizations, with some arguing that the ban disproportionately affects families and individuals seeking lawful entry into the US.
The American Immigration Council has expressed concerns that the travel ban will have severe economic and humanitarian costs, harming the US economy and punishing immigrants who qualify to enter the country legally. According to the Council, immigrants from the 19 targeted countries are already contributing significantly to the US economy, earning billions of dollars in income and paying billions in taxes.
In addition to the travel ban, Trump also issued a proclamation barring international students from entering the US to study at Harvard University, citing national security concerns and alleging the university’s failure to comply with federal agencies. Harvard has swiftly responded, arguing that the entry ban is unlawful and violating the university’s First Amendment rights.
