U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening signed a proclamation that fully bars nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States, citing national security risks. The ban, set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. next Monday, builds on a travel policy first introduced during his initial term and later reversed by President Biden in 2021.
12 fully banned, 7 partially restricted
- Fully banned nations: Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
- Partially restricted nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
The White House cited deficiencies in screening and vetting processes, labeling the listed countries as posing "a very high risk to the United States." Exceptions include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
For young global citizens and digital nomads, this means students planning exchange programs, startup founders attending tech conferences and adventure travelers will need to rebook flights or secure alternative arrangements. Business and tech enthusiasts note that talent mobility from these regions—driving innovation in AI, fintech and green energy—could face fresh hurdles.
Thought leaders warn that the ban may have ripple effects on sustainability initiatives and cross-border research collaborations. Early reports suggest a surge in flight rebookings and deferrals from affected regions.
While the policy aims to strengthen national security, its rollout raises questions about balancing safety and the free flow of ideas. As global citizens, many are watching closely to see if diplomatic cooperation and increased vetting measures can bridge the gap between security and open exchange.
Stay tuned for updates on how this policy evolves and impacts your global plans.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
