Donald Trump Bans Entry to the U.S. for Citizens of 12 Countries

• Donald Trump bans entry for citizens of 12 countries.
• Trump justifies the measures as national security.
• Exceptions apply to certain visa categories.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced new entry restrictions to the country for citizens of 12 nations, which will begin to take effect next week.

The measure affects Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Additionally, restrictions will be increased for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The announcement is based on Executive Order 14161, issued on January 20, 2025, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other Threats to National and Public Security.”

Entry restrictions for 12 countries

? #BREAKING | Trump signs entry ban to the U.S. for citizens of 12 countries and restrictions for 7 others, including Cuba and Venezuela.
https://t.co/QQLDsgs2ak
— Noticias Telemundo (@TelemundoNews) June 5, 2025

The White House explained that the measure aims to protect the country from terrorist threats and other insecurities, according to Infobae.

Trump stated in a press release that what some call the “Trump travel ban” will be reinstated.

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He asserted that this measure is essential to prevent the entry of “radical Islamic terrorists,” as validated by the U.S. Supreme Court during his first term.

The Court had upheld a similar measure in 2017, arguing that the restriction was based on “legitimate purposes” of national security.

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The president also cited the recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, as a reminder of the dangers associated with allowing individuals who have not been properly vetted to enter the country.

During his first term, Trump signed an executive order banning entry for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries—a move that was legally upheld in the case of Trump v Hawaii.

Regarding exceptions, the White House clarified that lawful permanent residents, holders of valid visas, and individuals with national interest exceptions may still enter the country.

Furthermore, exceptions will be made for some specific visa categories.

Conclusion

The Trump administration bases the measure on the need to protect the safety of Americans by preventing entry of individuals who could pose a threat.

As for country-specific justifications, the White House argued that Afghanistan, for example, lacks proper mechanisms for identity verification and civil document control.

The policy is backed by the legal precedent set in the Trump v Hawaii case, in which the Supreme Court affirmed the president’s authority to implement restrictions based on national security and immigration concerns.