U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new travel ban targeting nationals from twelve countries—many of them African and Muslim-majority—barring them from entering the United States.
The measure, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, is already triggering strong international reactions.
In a video statement released on the platform X (formerly Twitter), the president stated that the travel ban aims to protect the United States from “foreign terrorists.” He cited the June 1 attack in Boulder, Colorado, in which a 45-year-old Egyptian national allegedly threw incendiary devices at a pro-Israel demonstration, injuring 12 people.
12 Countries Banned, 7 Under Enhanced Surveillance
The ban directly targets nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These individuals will be denied entry into the U.S., with a few specific exceptions.
Seven additional countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—will face increased restrictions, though not a complete ban.
Some exemptions have been granted for special cases, including athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, whose participation is deemed of “national interest.”
“We Don’t Want Them,” Trump Declares
“The recent terrorist attack in Boulder highlighted the extreme dangers posed to our country by foreign nationals who have not been properly vetted. We don’t want them,” Trump stated.
According to authorities, the suspected attacker had been staying in the U.S. illegally—his tourist visa had expired, though he had applied for asylum and had been granted a work permit in the meantime.
The case has served as a rallying point for the former president to revive a hardline immigration policy reminiscent of the measures implemented during his first term in office.
Criticism Over Egypt’s Omission from the Ban
Notably absent from the blacklist is Egypt—the attacker’s country of origin—a detail that has sparked controversy, especially given Trump’s claim that the Boulder incident was the catalyst for his decision.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack as a “blatantly antisemitic assault,” calling it a “hate crime.” The suspect is scheduled to appear before a Colorado court this Thursday.
International Reactions Expected
Following the announcement, the Venezuelan government promptly warned its citizens that travel to the United States now poses a “serious risk.”
Other capitals are expected to respond in kind, amid growing concerns that this new wave of restrictions is discriminatory, and possibly politically motivated, as the U.S. presidential election approaches.
A Controversial Political Strategy
Trump’s latest decision underscores a broader push to tighten immigration controls. It also reignites debate over the political use of national security in the United States.
By targeting a majority of African and Muslim countries, the move is likely to renew criticism over systemic exclusion and potential violations of fundamental rights.
With the enforcement date set for June 9, 2025, embassies, NGOs, and human rights organizations are bracing for a surge in clarification requests and legal appeals.
Whether this decision will withstand legal challenges and diplomatic pressure remains to be seen.
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