Trump announces travel ban affecting a dozen countries set to go into effect Monday
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is resurrecting the travel ban policy from his first term, signing a proclamation Wednesday night preventing people from a dozen countries from entering the United States.

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

In addition to the ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

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

Ten of the 19 countries under the bans and restrictions are in Africa, nine of those from majority Black African countries. Several of those, including Sierra Leone, Togo, and Equatorial Guinea, are not known for hosting armed groups that pose a major threat to the West.

The list results from a Jan. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the U.S. or detained at U.S. 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 Supreme Court in 2018.

The ban affected various categories of travelers 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.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of President Donald Trump at

___

Amiri reported from the United Nations. Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump sets 25% tariffs on Japanese, South Korean goods

Trump imposes 25% tariffs on products imported from Japan and South Korea

Trump provided notice of the tariffs to begin on Aug. 1 by…
Teenage campers describe terrifying moments before Texas floods

Terrifying Moments Shared by Teenage Campers During Texas Floods

Two teenage counselors near Camp Mystic shared the harrowing experience of having…
Maine and a GOP lawmaker who ID'd a transgender athlete online agree lawsuit is now moot

Maine GOP lawmaker and transgender athlete drop lawsuit after athlete is identified online

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Attorneys for the state of Maine and a…
Pediatric doctor reveals risky mistake he'd never let his kids make

“Mistake Pediatric Doctor Says He’d Never Allow His Children to Make”

Soak up the fun! There are many ways kids can have a…
Child killed after scooter crashes with tanker truck in Tennessee

Fatal Accident: Child dies in collision with tanker truck while riding scooter in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A boy was killed Sunday night after a…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs received standing ovation from fellow inmates after partial conviction

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was applauded by other prisoners after being partly found guilty

1 Marc Agnifilo, the lead attorney for the “Act Bad” rapper, told…
More Rain on the Way for Texas Amid Historic Flooding

Texas Anticipates More Rain in the Midst of Historic Flooding

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Exclusive: New 'Bachelor In Paradise' promo highlights couples and some drama! 

New sneak peek of ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ showcases couples and drama!

We’re getting more hints as to what we can expect on season…