Trump Issues Sweeping Travel Ban on 12 Nations, Including Afghanistan and Iran
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation blocking citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia, from entering the United States. The directive, effective from 9 June 2025, also imposes partial restrictions on nationals from an additional seven countries, sparking international backlash.
The latest immigration policy—framed as a measure to “protect the United States from foreign terrorists”—marks a significant escalation in Trump’s immigration crackdown. It applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders, including international students and exchange scholars.
Countries now facing a full travel ban include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Meanwhile, travellers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face restricted entry.
The UK, a long-standing ally of the US, expressed concern over the sweeping nature of the restrictions, particularly regarding their impact on education and human rights. British academics and universities, many of whom partner with US institutions, fear the policy will hinder global academic collaboration.
The proclamation directly affects students from the 19 targeted countries who are outside the US without a valid visa as of 9 June. However, those already in the country with valid visas, or holding visas issued before the effective date, are exempt.
The directive cites national security concerns, visa overstays, and poor information-sharing by the affected nations. Trump also referenced a recent alleged terrorist attack in Colorado, claiming it underscored the need for stricter vetting.
The decision has been widely condemned as discriminatory and damaging to international education. Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance, warned that the move would “create further chaos and uncertainty” in international student mobility—one of the US’s largest service exports.
As global scrutiny mounts, critics argue the ban undermines both academic freedom and America’s international standing.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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