New executive order takes effect Monday; Trump cites security threats and visa abuse as justification for sweeping immigration restrictions
In a controversial return to one of his most polarizing policies, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a reinstated travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries—many of them African—while imposing travel restrictions on seven additional nations. The decision, revealed in a video message shared on social media Wednesday, is set to take effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m. EST.
Trump’s latest move draws heavily from his first-term immigration agenda, which saw a similar travel ban implemented in 2017. However, this time, the administration has provided a short notice period, likely in a bid to avoid the legal and logistical chaos that erupted during the earlier rollout.
“We must secure our borders and protect the American people,” Trump said. “The recent terror attack in Boulder shows why we can’t afford to wait.”
Although Trump referenced the Boulder, Colorado attack as part of his justification, it is notable that the suspect in that incident is from Egypt, a country that is not included in the new travel ban list. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the suspect had overstayed a U.S. tourist visa.
Full Ban on Travel from 12 Countries — Majority from Africa
The executive order blocks entry into the United States for nationals of the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Chad (Africa)
- Equatorial Guinea (Africa)
- Eritrea (Africa)
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya (Africa)
- Myanmar
- Republic of the Congo (Africa)
- Somalia (Africa)
- Sudan (Africa)
- Yemen
Of the 12 banned nations, eight are in Africa, prompting immediate backlash from civil society groups and several foreign governments.
“This blanket ban targeting African countries is unjust and discriminatory,” said Dr. Amina Toure, a legal analyst at the African Migration Policy Institute. “It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and does not reflect actual security data.”
The African Union is reportedly seeking clarification from U.S. diplomats, with some officials in Chad, Eritrea, and Sudan calling the decision “deeply concerning and diplomatically regressive.”
Travel Restrictions for Seven Additional Nations
While citizens from the above countries are fully barred from entering the U.S., an additional seven nations will face heightened visa restrictions. These include:
- Burundi (Africa)
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone (Africa)
- Togo (Africa)
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
For these countries, the U.S. will impose restrictions on certain visa categories, limit processing, and introduce more stringent background checks.
“We are focused on protecting Americans from foreign nationals who come here and violate the terms of their stay,” said Acting DHS Secretary Mark Ferguson. “This action targets governments that consistently fail to meet U.S. information-sharing and security standards.”
Legal Strategy Aligned with Supreme Court Guidelines
Unlike the hastily implemented 2017 travel ban that sparked widespread airport protests and dozens of lawsuits, the 2025 version appears to have been crafted with greater legal precision. Trump’s legal advisers have reportedly based the language of the new executive order on the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling, which upheld the president’s authority to restrict travel from specific countries for national security reasons.
“This time around, the administration is using the legal precedent established during the previous administration,” said Prof. Linda Merriweather, a constitutional law expert at Georgetown University. “The delayed implementation and case-by-case waiver options make it less susceptible to immediate legal challenges.”
Domestic Criticism and Human Rights Concerns
Civil rights groups and immigration advocates across the U.S. have condemned the travel ban, calling it a political maneuver disguised as national security policy.
“This is another attempt to criminalize immigration and isolate vulnerable populations,” said Jose Hernandez, policy director at the American Immigration Coalition. “The fact that the Boulder attacker is from a country not on the list tells you everything.”
“African families and students will bear the brunt of this cruel decision,” said Fatima Diallo, spokesperson for the U.S.-Africa Education Alliance. “It disrupts lives, separates families, and sends the wrong message to our global partners.”
Political Timing and 2024 Reelection Strategy
Trump’s move comes as he ramps up efforts for the 2024 presidential election, once again leaning on immigration control as a cornerstone of his campaign. With rising political tensions and increased attention on U.S. border security, the timing is viewed by many as strategic.
“Trump is reviving a familiar script that worked well with his base in 2016,” said Rachel Simmons, senior analyst at the Center for U.S. Political Strategy. “He’s sending a clear signal: national security first, no compromises.”
Polls from conservative-leaning voters indicate strong support for tougher immigration laws, especially among those in swing states like Ohio, Arizona, and Florida.
Humanitarian Exceptions and Waiver Process
According to DHS, the executive order does allow for humanitarian exceptions and waivers on a case-by-case basis. However, immigration attorneys caution that past waiver processes have been slow, inconsistent, and non-transparent.
“In 2018, thousands of applicants were technically eligible for waivers but only a tiny fraction were approved,” said Mariam Awad, an immigration lawyer based in Washington, D.C. “We expect the same challenges this time.”
What’s Next?
Legal challenges to the new travel ban are already being prepared. The ACLU, National Immigration Law Center, and other advocacy groups are reportedly filing lawsuits within days of the ban taking effect. Meanwhile, travelers from the affected countries are advised to defer U.S. travel plans and consult immigration specialists.
The move is expected to dominate political and legal discourse in the coming weeks, with the White House facing increasing pressure from both international allies and domestic rights groups.
