Trump Bans Citizens of 12 Countries from Entering U.S., Cites Security Concerns

In a sweeping immigration move reminiscent of his first term policies, U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday signed a new proclamation banning citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, citing national security concerns and the need to combat terrorism.

The proclamation, which takes effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, places full entry restrictions on nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo (Democratic Republic), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

In addition, partial entry restrictions were placed on citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These restrictions may include limits on certain visa categories, including student or work visas, and heightened scrutiny for other types of immigration.

In a video statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, President Trump said the decision was necessary to protect the United States from potential terrorist infiltration and to uphold the integrity of the American immigration system.

“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump stated. “This is about keeping Americans safe and ensuring that every individual who enters our country can be properly vetted.”

The president said the nations under the harshest restrictions were identified as having a “large-scale presence of terrorist groups,” or “inadequate information-sharing and passport security systems.” Others were penalized for high rates of visa overstays and for refusing to cooperate with U.S. immigration and law enforcement protocols.

“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump emphasized.

Policy Echoes Earlier Travel Ban

This latest proclamation is viewed as a continuation—and expansion—of the controversial “Muslim Ban” and travel restrictions implemented during Trump’s first term in office in 2017. That executive order had initially targeted seven Muslim-majority countries and faced significant legal and public backlash before being revised and ultimately upheld in part by the U.S. Supreme Court.

However, the current order goes further by adding more African and Latin American countries, broadening the scope of nationalities affected and the categories of visas suspended.

Early reactions to the policy have been mixed. Supporters, particularly among conservative and nationalist groups, praised the move as a bold step toward restoring immigration control and safeguarding the homeland.

Opponents, including civil rights organizations, immigration advocates, and members of the Democratic Party, have sharply criticized the order as xenophobic, discriminatory, and harmful to international relations.

Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued statements condemning the proclamation, calling it “an abuse of executive power” and “a targeted attack on vulnerable populations fleeing war, persecution, or authoritarian regimes.”

Affected Populations and Implications

The ban is expected to have serious implications for thousands of prospective immigrants, students, and families with ties to the affected countries. U.S. embassies and consulates in the listed countries will suspend the processing of most new visa applications, and many visa holders already in the U.S. may face challenges renewing their status or inviting relatives.

Several analysts suggest the policy is also a political tool to energize Trump’s base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and reinforce his image as a tough-on-immigration president.

Possible Legal Challenges Ahead

Legal experts anticipate a flurry of lawsuits from immigration lawyers and advocacy groups, potentially leading to temporary injunctions or partial reversals by federal courts. The Trump administration, however, has signaled it is prepared for litigation and will defend the legality of the proclamation under presidential authority on matters of immigration and national security.

The White House also left the door open for future additions or removals from the list, stating that countries which improve cooperation on security standards and reduce immigration risks could be reconsidered.

Full Restriction List: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen.

Partial Restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela.

More details are expected to be released by the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department in the coming days regarding visa processing changes and specific entry limitations.