President Donald Trump has declared US travel restrictions on citizens from 12 nations he considers "uncontrolled."
Seven additional nations' citizens will encounter limited travel constraints once the updated policy takes effect on Monday.
The travel restriction affects individuals originating from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
And residents of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face updated limitations.
Earlier on Thursday, speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated that the additional limitations "cannot arrive quickly enough," highlighting issues related to national security.
Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has initiated an unparalleled crackdown on immigration that has stretched the boundaries of presidential authority and resulted in conflicts with federal judges attempting to limit the administration’s actions.
The travel restriction was initiated following an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20th, mandating the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, along with the Director of National Intelligence to produce a report concerning "adverse sentiments" towards the United States.
The objective is to safeguard citizens from extraterrestrials planning terrorist acts, jeopardizing national security, promoting hate ideologies, or abusing immigration policies with nefarious intentions,” according to the administration.
In a video released on social media, Trump tied the new ban to a terror attack on Sunday in Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay their visas.
The individual involved in that assault hails from Egypt, which isn’t included in Trump’s restricted countries. According to the Department of Homeland Security, this person remained in the U.S. after their tourist visa expired.
Trump said nationals of countries included in the ban pose "terrorism-related" and "public-safety" risks, as well as risks of overstaying their visas. He also said some of these countries had "deficient" screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their own citizens.
His research heavily depends on an annual Department of Homeland Security report about visa overstays from tourists, business travelers, and students entering via air or sea traffic. The study specifically highlights nations with significant numbers of individuals staying beyond their permitted time periods.
Trump stated, 'We do not desire their presence.'
The addition of Afghanistan to the list has upset certain supporters who have strived to help resettlement efforts for its population.
The prohibition includes exemptions for Afghans holding Special Immigrant Visas, typically those who had the closest ties to the U.S. government throughout the twenty-year conflict in their country.
The administration mentioned in a document distributed on Wednesday night that the list may be modified if the authorities from specified countries implement "substantial enhancements" to their regulations and processes.
New nations may be included as threats arise globally.
Reactions to the ban
Global assistance organizations and agencies focused on relocating refugees have widely criticized the recent prohibition.
Abby Maxman, President of Oxfam America, stated, "This policy isn’t rooted in national security; instead, it aims to create divisions and demonize communities that seek safety and opportunities within the United States."
The African Union Commission voiced worry over "the possible adverse effects" of the ban on educational programs, commercial connections, and overall diplomatic interactions.
The African Union Commission has respectfully requested the U.S. administration to adopt a more collaborative stance and to participate in productive discussions with the relevant nations, as stated in their communication.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which is the nation's premier organization for Muslim civil liberties and advocacy, described the directive as "unwarranted, excessive, and driven by ideology."
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