U.S. President Donald Trump has reinstated a sweeping travel ban affecting citizens from a dozen countries, reviving one of the most divisive policies of his first term. The new restrictions took effect just after midnight on Monday and immediately halted travel to the U.S. for nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, and Libya—nations grappling with conflict, political instability, or strained relations with Washington.
Trump linked the measure to a recent attack in Colorado, where protesters showing solidarity with hostages in Gaza were assaulted by a man reportedly in the U.S. on an expired visa. The incident, he said, exposed the “extreme dangers” posed by foreign nationals who are inadequately vetted. His administration framed the new order as a national security necessity, despite mounting criticism.
Under the new directive, all travel is banned for citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. A partial ban also applies to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, though some temporary work visas will still be permitted.
Trump warned that more countries could be added to the list if new security threats arise. The ban notably exempts athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as well as diplomats.
The move has drawn strong condemnation from Democratic lawmakers and international leaders. UN human rights chief Volker Turk criticized the broad scope of the ban, warning it raises significant concerns under international law. Iranian-American Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari called the ban “cruel and xenophobic,” citing the personal impact on her own family and pledging to fight the policy.
The White House justified the ban on the grounds that some of the affected countries, such as Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia, lack reliable governments to manage passport security or immigration vetting. Iran’s inclusion was based on its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, while other nations were flagged for high rates of visa overstays.
For many, the human toll is already setting in. Mehria, a 23-year-old Afghan woman who applied for refugee status, said she now faces more uncertainty than ever. “We gave up thousands of hopes and our entire lives on a promise from America,” she told AFP. “But today we are suffering one hell after another.”