After a recent violent incident rocked a Colorado community, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited one of his most hotly debated policies—an extensive travel ban.
This time, it’s broader and bolder, targeting nationals from 12 countries and partially restricting travel from seven more.
The latest order, signed by Trump, is set to take effect Monday, June 9.
It revives memories of his first-term Muslim-majority country ban and has already triggered fierce debate in the U.S. and abroad.
A Violent Attack in Colorado Fuels the Decision
Trump pointed to a disturbing attack in Boulder, Colorado, where a Jewish protest was targeted with what authorities described as a homemade flamethrower.
The suspect? A man authorities claim was in the country illegally.
That incident, Trump argued, proves why stricter travel controls are necessary.
“The recent terror attack in Boulder has shown how risky it is to allow people into our country without thorough screening,” Trump said in a video message shared on social media.
“We don’t want them,” he added bluntly.
Who’s Affected by the Ban?
Under the new rules, citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen will be completely barred from entering the U.S.
In addition, a partial ban will apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
While regular travel is limited, some work visas from these nations will still be permitted under special conditions.
Major Events Like the World Cup and Olympics Exempted
Interestingly, the ban won’t affect foreign athletes coming to the U.S. for major international events.
Trump made an exception for those competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, as well as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Harvard Students Targeted in Separate Visa Crackdown
In a separate announcement that also raised eyebrows, Trump said he is suspending visas for foreign students admitted to Harvard University, calling the school a “liberal stronghold.”
The move is part of a broader campaign targeting what Trump sees as elite institutions working against his administration.
Trump Says 2017 Ban Saved Lives—And This One Will Too
Drawing parallels to his 2017 travel ban, Trump claimed his earlier action prevented the kind of terror attacks seen across Europe.
“We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America,” he said.
According to the former president, countries that can’t properly verify identities or track passports pose a significant national security risk.
“We can’t allow migration from any country we can’t safely vet,” he declared.
Venezuela Responds by Warning Its Citizens
Venezuela wasted no time pushing back. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned Venezuelans that traveling to the U.S. is now more dangerous than ever.
“It’s a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans,” he stated publicly.
Human Rights Groups Slam the Ban as Cruel and Racist
Criticism has come fast, especially from rights organizations.
Amnesty International USA called the order “discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel,” accusing the administration of spreading fear and misinformation based solely on nationality.
The group emphasized how these bans tear families apart, preventing people from attending weddings, funerals, or even witnessing the birth of a child.
Suspect in Boulder Attack Fuels “Terrorist” Crackdown
The Boulder suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, allegedly threw firebombs and sprayed gasoline on a crowd supporting Israeli hostages.
Though Egypt didn’t appear on the banned list, the administration highlighted his case as evidence of a “broken” immigration system.
Officials say Soliman was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying a tourist visa, although he had applied for asylum back in 2022.
Trump Administration Defends the Decision as a National Security Measure
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson defended the new travel order, saying it “fulfills Trump’s promise to keep Americans safe from foreign threats.”
The administration insists the list was carefully crafted, with each country’s inclusion backed by specific security concerns.
Countries like Afghanistan and Yemen were included due to their weak central governments, making passport verification impossible.
Iran made the list due to its ongoing designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Legal Challenges Likely as Policy Faces Scrutiny
Much like Trump’s previous immigration orders, this new travel ban is expected to face legal battles.
Civil liberties groups and advocacy organizations are already preparing to challenge it in court, pointing to potential human rights violations and its impact on immigrant families.