Trump’s New Travel Ban: Which Countries are Affected?

President Trump’s new travel restrictions, primarily affecting nations in Africa and the Middle East, have come into effect. The ban applies to citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Furthermore, individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela without valid U.S. visas are also subject to these limitations. The policy does not nullify existing visas but blocks new applications unless individuals meet specific exemption criteria. Trump’s administration has chosen to focus on visa procedures to avoid legal issues and has cited security concerns, including poor screening and lack of cooperation in deportations. Critics, including those aiding Afghan resettlement, have condemned the order, arguing it undermines refugee protection. Afghanistan had been a significant source of refugees entering the U.S. before Trump’s initial restrictions on refugee admissions.