Trump's Travel Ban On 12 Countries Goes Into Effect

The new travel restriction announced by US President Donald Trump officially came into effect on Monday, barring entry to the US for citizens from 12 countries. The White House claimed that the measure aims to strengthen immigration rules and national security and prevent potential threats of "foreign terrorism".

The travel ban fully restricts the nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the US. In addition, Trump also imposed a partial ban on 7 other countries, such as Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Trump defended the latest restriction as a response to the recent fire attack on Jewish protestors in Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visa overstayers.

However, exemptions will apply to athletes participating in international events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and diplomats from the targeted countries. Moreover, it does not revoke the visa previously issued to the people from these countries.