President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House. He has banned the citizens of 12 countries from travelling to the US.
Share and Follow

US President Donald Trump is resurrecting the travel ban policy from his first term, signing a proclamation preventing people from a dozen countries from entering the United States.

The countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

In addition to the ban, which takes effect at 12.01am on Monday (US time), there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House. He has banned the citizens of 12 countries from travelling to the US.
President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House. He has banned the citizens of 12 countries from travelling to the US. (AP)

“I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump said in his proclamation.

The list results from a January 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on “hostile attitudes” toward the US and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk.

During his first term, Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the US by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency.

Travellers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the US or detained at US airports after they landed.

They included students and faculty as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family.

The order, often referred to as the “Muslim ban” or the “travel ban,” was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.

The ban affected various categories of travellers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families.

Trump and others have defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias.

However, the president had called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Court Declares Melbourne Police’s Warrantless Search Powers Unconstitutional and Voids Them

A judge has ruled that a directive allowing police to conduct searches…
The large black and red bruise seen on Donald Trump's hand.

Shocking Image Reveals Massive Bruise on Donald Trump’s Hand: What It Could Mean

The White House has explained a massive bruise on Donald Trump‘s left…
Woman who moved to London from New Zealand says Brits shouldn't complain about housing - and reveals biggest culture shocks

From Kiwi to Cockney: Surprising Culture Shocks and Housing Realities for a New Zealander in London

<!– In a significant tech update, Omniture, Inc., now part of Adobe,…
Is it safe to travel to New Zealand? Latest advice after Mount Maunganui landslides

Travel Safety Update: What You Need to Know About Visiting New Zealand After Mount Maunganui Landslides

In the aftermath of recent landslides in New Zealand, travelers are understandably…

Australia’s Social Media Ban: Unveiling the Clever Tactics Kids Use to Stay Connected

On December 11, a day after Australia implemented social media restrictions for…
US President Donald Trump

Trump’s Controversial NATO Comments Stir Tensions Over Afghanistan Frontline Role

US President Donald Trump has once again questioned whether NATO allies would…

Hotel Licensee Prohibited Following Incident of Intoxicated Guest’s Fall and Head Injury

The former licensee of a hotel in NSW‘s north-east has been banned…
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told media.

Intensified NSW Manhunt: Police Widen Search for Armed Suspect on the Run

Warning: This article includes the name and image of a deceased Indigenous…