Trump Enacts Travel Ban Covering 12 Countries

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday that restricts entry of nationals from countries deemed high-risk for terrorism and inadequate security measures into the U.S.

The proclamation fully restricts entry from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, all identified as having deficient screening and vetting processes or high risks related to terrorism, visa overstays or lack of cooperation with U.S. authorities. This action follows Executive Order 14161, which directed national security agencies to assess the risks posed by foreign countries.

Additionally, the Proclamation imposes partial restrictions on seven other countries such as Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela due to high visa overstay rates and security concerns. Exceptions apply for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 30: U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The Trump administration said the restrictions outlined are designed to foster cooperation with foreign governments and enforce U.S. immigration laws more effectively. By targeting countries with weak security measures and high risks, the administration said it aims to ensure that individuals entering the U.S. do not pose a threat to public safety or national security.

Trump’s decision to impose these restrictions comes in response to ongoing threats posed by nationals from high-risk countries, following the arrest of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an illegal migrant who entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, who attacked a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colo.

The attack in Boulder took place less than two weeks after 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez fatally gunned down Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington, D.C. Rodriguez opened fire on a group leaving the Capital Jewish Museum and later shouted “free Palestine” as authorities detained him. (RELATED: Byron Donalds Describes How ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Gives Feds ‘All The Resources They Need’ To Deport Illegals)

The Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping roughly 250 others. The Israel Defense Forces have since largely occupied Gaza, eliminating thousands of Hamas operatives and weakening the terrorist organization.

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