Trump Signs New Travel Ban Targeting 12 Countries

Despite not being included on President Trump's new travel ban list, South Africans are experiencing anxiety and uncertainty about traveling to the US due to the blanket restrictions on nationals from 12 countries in Africa and the Middle East. The ban affects seven African countries, including Chad, Somalia, Sudan, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, and Libya, and has sparked concerns about the potential negative impact on people-to-people ties and diplomatic relations. The move has also been met with criticism, with the African Union calling for a more consultative approach and noting that the ban may harm educational exchange and commercial engagement. South Africans waiting in line outside the US Consulate in Johannesburg expressed fears about being denied entry or detained, with some considering canceling their trips. The travel ban has also highlighted the already strained relations between the US and South Africa, which have been further complicated by Trump's repeated false claims about a "white genocide" in South Africa.

US President Donald Trump has issued a new travel ban targeting 12 countries, mainly in the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. Experts say the new ban has been designed to avoid the legal pitfalls faced by Trump's first travel ban in 2017, which was dubbed the "Muslim ban" and faced numerous court challenges. The new ban has "clearly defined" exemptions and is wider in scope, making it more legally robust. It does not explicitly target Muslim-majority countries, which may help it withstand potential Supreme Court scrutiny. The ban has been met with criticism from affected countries and concerns from immigration lawyers, who warn it could have significant consequences for students, visa applicants, and investors.

President Trump signed a proclamation barring travelers and immigrants from 12 countries and restricting entry from 7 others, citing national security concerns. The 12 countries fully banned are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The 7 countries with restricted entry are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The ban, effective June 9, includes exemptions for US permanent residents, certain family members of US citizens, and others. The move is Trump's latest iteration of a travel ban, which has been met with controversy and lawsuits in the past.

President Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday barring travelers and immigrants from 12 countries and restricting entry for nationals from another 7, citing U.S. national security interests, effective June 9. The 12 countries with fully restricted travel are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The 7 countries with partially restricted travel are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Exemptions include U.S. permanent residents, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, diplomats, and certain visa holders, among others.

President Trump's new travel ban is set to begin on June 9, barring travelers and immigrants from 12 countries and restricting entry from 7 other nations due to national security concerns. The 12 countries affected are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, while the 7 partially restricted countries are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Exceptions include U.S. permanent residents, spouses and children of U.S. citizens with proof of identity and relationship, certain visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and dual nationals. The ban is a follow-up to previous travel bans issued during Trump's first administration, which were also subject to lawsuits but ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. The list of countries can be revised if they make "material improvements" or if new threats emerge.

US President Donald Trump has signed a new travel ban targeting 12 countries deemed to have "hostile attitudes" towards the US, citing national security concerns and the need to protect American citizens. The countries affected are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with partial restrictions imposed on seven other countries. The ban, which takes effect on June 9, is subject to review every 180 days and allows for exemptions for certain individuals, including athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, as well as permanent US residents. The move echoes Trump's first travel ban in 2017, which was criticized as a "Muslim ban" and faced widespread protests and legal challenges.

US President Donald Trump has signed a new travel ban affecting 12 countries, with some subject to a full ban and others to a partial ban. The countries fully banned are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, while Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela are partially banned. The ban, effective June 9, excludes certain individuals such as diplomats, immediate family members with immigrant visas, and Afghan nationals with special immigrant visas. Critics have condemned the ban as a "moral disgrace" and argue it is designed to cultivate hostility towards immigrants, rather than being driven by security concerns. The ban is the second such restriction implemented by Trump, following a similar ban in 2017 that was criticized as a "Muslim ban".

President Trump's new travel ban targeting 12 mostly African and Middle Eastern countries is filled with contradictions, with critics arguing that the list of countries appears to be politically motivated rather than based on consistent criteria. The ban, which goes into effect on Monday, excludes some countries with higher rates of visa overstays, such as Spain, and omits nations like Syria and Egypt, despite national security concerns. Experts say the ban is "performative national security theater" and that it appears to be part of a broader effort to restrict immigration from predominantly African and Muslim countries, with some arguing it is a step towards reclaiming a "white, Christian America."

President Trump's new travel ban, signed on Wednesday, has sparked widespread fear and frustration among immigrant communities across the United States. The ban bars citizens of 12 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, from traveling to the US and is set to take effect on Monday. Immigrants from affected countries expressed hurt and confusion, citing the ban's potential to separate families, foster distrust and hostility towards Muslims, and harm economic and business relationships. Many described feeling targeted and stereotyped, with some worrying about being perceived as terrorists. The ban has caused uncertainty and fear, with some immigrants hesitant to travel abroad, even if they are legally able to do so. Community organizations and officials have been inundated with questions, advising caution and urging those affected to seek guidance from immigration attorneys. Immigrants from countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iran shared their concerns, with some expressing sadness and disappointment, while others were more skeptical, wondering if the ban was a negotiating tactic or a justified measure to protect the US.