Trumps New Travel Ban Sparks Global Fear and Uncertainty

President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban has sparked fear and uncertainty among affected nations, expected to cause chaos and disruption, particularly for communities already in precarious situations. Announced on Wednesday, the ban restricts entry to the U.S. for foreign nationals from 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on seven others, with exemptions for lawful permanent residents and athletes participating in major international events.

The fully restricted countries include Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions apply to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The list includes Muslim-majority nations and countries with adversarial relations with the U.S., such as Venezuela and Cuba. The Trump administration cited visa overstays as a justification, though the criteria for inclusion remain unclear.

Trump referenced a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, by an Egyptian immigrant, though Egypt is not on the restricted list. This ban echoes the 2017 travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries, which caused widespread confusion and protests.

Jamal Abdi, president of the National Iranian American Council, noted the ban revives tragic stories from the first ban, such as families separated during critical moments. The ban’s impact on Afghans, particularly those who fled the Taliban regime, is severe. Aimal, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, expressed uncertainty about his family’s future.

The ban includes exemptions for Special Immigrant Visas granted to Afghans who supported the U.S. war effort. Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, criticized the ban for disproportionately affecting those seeking lawful entry, despite exemptions.

The African Union Commission called for balanced border control, while Somalia’s ambassador to the U.S. pledged to work with the U.S. to address concerns. The ban follows the Supreme Court’s revocation of temporary legal residency for Haitians, Venezuelans, and Cubans, exacerbating crises in these countries.

Analysts question the ban’s justification, particularly regarding Haitian gangs and Venezuelan migration. Venezuela’s interior minister warned of the risks for Venezuelans in the U.S., while Trump’s claims about the Tren de Aragua gang lack evidence. Human rights groups condemned the ban, with Oxfam America’s CEO calling it a return to fear and division.