The newly imposed travel limitations — revealed under Executive Order 14161 — affect nationals from 12 countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen, all categorized as “very high risk” due to terrorist activities, unstable or antagonistic governments, and elevated rates of visa overstays.
Citizens from an additional seven countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Laos, face partial travel restrictions, as reported by Fox News.
“President Trump is delivering on his commitment to safeguard Americans from perilous foreign individuals who seek to enter our nation and inflict harm upon us,” stated White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson to the news outlet.
She referred to the restrictions as “common sense” and indicated that they were directed at nations that “lack adequate vetting, demonstrate high rates of visa overstays, or do not share identity and threat information.”
In a video shared on social media platforms Wednesday evening, Trump spoke about a recent terrorist incident involving an individual who had overstayed his visa.
“The recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, has highlighted the significant risks posed to our nation by the entry of foreign nationals who are not thoroughly vetted, as well as those who arrive as temporary visitors and exceed their visa duration. We do not want them,” Trump stated.
“In the 21st century, we have witnessed a series of terror attacks executed by foreign visa overstayers hailing from perilous regions across the globe,” he remarked. “Due to Biden’s lenient immigration policies, there are currently millions of these undocumented individuals residing in our nation who do not belong here.”
“The list is open to updates depending on whether significant improvements occur,” the president continued. “Similarly, additional countries may be included as new threats arise globally, but we will not permit individuals who intend to harm us to enter our nation, and nothing will deter us from ensuring the safety of America.”
Trump stated that the travel restrictions implemented during his first term were “one of our most successful policies” and “a key part of preventing major foreign terror attacks on American soil.”
Afghanistan, currently under the control of the Taliban—a recognized global terrorist organization—has a student visa overstay rate of 29.3%.
Iran remains classified as a state sponsor of terrorism and has refused to collaborate with U.S. authorities. In addition, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen do not possess stable, functioning governments that can provide secure travel documentation.
“We cannot permit open migration from any nation where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen individuals seeking to enter the United States,” Trump remarked.
“That is why today I am signing a new executive order imposing travel restrictions on countries such as Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and several others,” he concluded. “We will not permit individuals to enter our nation who intend to do us harm, and nothing will deter us from ensuring America’s safety.”
Unsurprisingly, Democrats opposed Trump’s announcement as they did during his first term, asserting without justification or evidence that his recent action is “discriminatory” and racist.
“This unjust policy is utterly disgraceful,” stated Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) on the X platform. “Similar to his initial Muslim Ban, this recent declaration contradicts fundamental morality and directly opposes our core values. This prejudiced policy will not enhance our safety; rather, it will tear families apart and jeopardize lives. We must not allow it to persist.”
The ban provides exemptions for existing visa holders, lawful permanent residents, specific visa categories, and individuals considered to be serving U.S. national interests. President Trump mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio performed a security assessment of “high-risk regions” and advised on which nations should be subjected to new travel limitations, as reported by Politico.
