President Donald J. Trump has signed new proclamation reinstating a sweeping travel ban affecting citizens from 19 countries, including 10 African countries, citing national security and public safety concerns. The ban, which takes effect on Monday, marks a return to one of the most controversial policies of his dirt term.
“Today (Wednesday), President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to protect the nation from foreign terrorist and other national security and public safety threats from entry into the United States,” read a statement issues by the White House.
The proclamation, according to the statement, “fully restricts and limits” the entry of nationals from 12 countries that U.S. authorities have found to be deficient in their security screening and vetting procedures. These countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eriteria, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
In addition on the full ban, the Trump administration is also imposing “partial restrictions and limitations” on seven other countries whose citizens are deemed to pose high level of risk. These nations are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Despite the broad scope of the restrictions, the White House clarified that the policy includes several exceptions. These cover lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, applicants in specific visa categories, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve the national interest of the United States.
