President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order banning entry into the United States from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran, in what the White House calls a decisive move to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.”
The controversial proclamation, announced Tuesday on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, revives one of the most debated policies from his first term and expands its scope. “In light of the tragic Colorado attack on Sunday, we must act decisively,” Trump wrote. “America’s security comes first. We will not wait for another disaster.”
The ban, set to take effect on June 9, blocks most travelers from 12 nations outright. An additional seven countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, face partial restrictions, such as visa limitations and enhanced security screenings.
According to administration officials, the executive order includes narrow exemptions for certain individuals, such as athletes traveling for major sporting events, some Afghan nationals, and dual citizens holding valid passports from countries not subject to the ban.
The decision has already sparked widespread criticism from civil rights groups, Democratic lawmakers, and international observers. Many argue it revives the spirit of Trump’s 2017 “Muslim ban,” which was widely condemned before being upheld by the US Supreme Court in a modified form.
President Trump had promised during the 2024 campaign to reintroduce “extreme vetting” measures and expand restrictions on countries deemed high-risk. The Colorado attack, which left several dead and is still under investigation, appears to have provided the catalyst for swift executive action.
The administration has not publicly disclosed the full list of the 12 countries.
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