Chicago O'Hare airport travelers criticize President Donald Trump's US 12-country travel ban
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — People in Chicago are reacting to President Donald Trump’s new travel ban affecting 12 countries.

There are restrictions on other countries, too.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

President Trump has said this is about safety.

The ban took effect overnight, and is already causing confusion and issues for some people.

The countries listed on the ban have populations that are predominantly people of color.

Some at O’Hare Monday morning have families abroad. They said they’d be devastated if they could not see their loved ones.

“My wife or my kids is here. I’m from Eritrea. I came from Eritrea. If they’re telling me to ban me, that’s not really fair,” Mesfil Wrdofa said.

Wrdofa is from Ethiopia, but says he understands how those from Eritrea may be feeling. Eritrea is one of the 12 countries that are now banned from entering the United States.

“It’s kind of prejudice to me. That’s what I can say,” Wrdofa said.

The travel ban is felt by anyone who knows what it’s like to have loved ones overseas.

“I wouldn’t want my family to be stuck,” said Calvin Jackson, who has family in Liberia. “I think generalization is always not a good thing.”

While Jackson’s family isn’t from one of the countries that is listed on President Trump’s travel ban, he says America sets a precedent for the world.

“If they perceive that America is not doing the right thing, I think they, themselves, they are not going to do the right thing, and then we are just going to be in a chaotic world without good leadership,” Jackson said.

The ban announced Wednesday applies to people from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It’s also putting on restrictions for people in places like Cuba and Venezuela, who are outside the United States and don’t hold a visa.

President Trump has claimed this is to protect the national security and national interest of the country, but others say the move goes too far.

“If there’s a genuine national security reason, I think it should be explicit, instead of just doing it and just be ambiguous and saying it’s for national security reasons,” Jackson said.

The ban will not only impact people coming from those countries, but adoptions, as well, as many international travelers are pleading for the government to take it back.

“I’m just appealing to them to reaching the decision because I don’t think it’s a good thing,” Jackson said.

Several refugee organizations are already preparing to push back on the ban with legal action.

Copyright Âİ 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Sheryl Lee Ralph talks about starring in ABC's 'Abbott Elementary,' lifetime milestones, and her foundation

Sheryl Lee Ralph discusses her role in ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary,’ personal achievements, and her charitable foundation

NEW YORK — Sheryl Lee Ralph makes us laugh every Wednesday on…
Newly elected German mayor fights for life after stabbing attack

Newly elected German mayor fights for life after stabbing attack

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The recently elected mayor…
Supporters of Israel, Palestinians hope for Gaza peace talks progress, return of Hamas hostages 2 years after October 7th attack

Israel and Palestinian Supporters Anticipate Progress in Gaza Peace Talks, Hope for Return of Hostages 2 Years Post-October 7th Incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tuesday marks two years since the Israel-Hamas war began,…
Get $250 in FanCash for Giants vs. Eagles

Earn $250 in FanCash for Giants vs. Eagles

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…
Megachurch founder finishes church's restoration process after stepping down due to undisclosed transgression

Megachurch founder finishes church’s restoration process after stepping down due to undisclosed transgression

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Dr. Tony Evans, the…
Ex-FBI Director James Comey due in court for Justice Department case

Former FBI Director James Comey Set to Appear in Court for Justice Department Case

() Former FBI Director James Comey is due in court Wednesday for…

Indiana Mother Vanishes Following ‘Suspicious’ House Fire

BAINBRIDGE, Indiana (WJW) Authorities are investigating the disappearance of an Indiana mother…
Texas National Guard in Chicago area: Trump says Johnson, Pritzker 'should be in jail' for 'failing to protect' ICE officers

Trump Criticizes Chicago Leadership: Claims Johnson and Pritzker Should Face Jail for Failing to Safeguard ICE Officers as Texas National Guard Moves In

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Chicago Mayor…