President Donald Trump on Wednesday reinstated a sweeping travel ban affecting nearly 20 countries, reviving one of the most contentious policies of his first term. The new restrictions, which Trump says are necessary to protect U.S. national security, are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Twelve countries — including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Sudan — will face full travel bans, while seven others, including Cuba and Venezuela, will be subject to heightened entry restrictions. The move marks a return to the kind of hardline immigration measures that defined much of Trump’s first term in office and is likely to spark renewed legal and political battles.
Unlike the abrupt rollout of the 2017 travel ban that led to confusion and protests at airports across the country, this new directive comes with a four-day grace period. Trump’s team appears to have learned from past missteps — and now operates under a legal precedent set by the Supreme Court, which upheld the earlier ban in a 5–4 decision.
Trump defended the decision in a formal proclamation, citing national security and the need to tighten the vetting of foreign visitors.
“Certain countries have deficient information-sharing practices or refuse to accept the return of their nationals,” Trump stated. “I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.”
The administration’s rationale draws heavily on a Department of Homeland Security report analyzing visa overstays. The report points to nations with disproportionately high rates of tourists, business travelers, and students who fail to leave the U.S. once their visas expire.
The full ban applies to: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Countries facing increased restrictions include: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Critics have already denounced the policy as discriminatory, warning that it could further strain U.S. relations abroad and harm families with cross-border ties. Immigration advocates also fear it could disrupt travel, education, and international cooperation.
Trump, however, remained defiant. “We will not allow our immigration system to be exploited or our borders to be compromised,” he said.
As the policy takes effect Monday, legal experts and civil rights organizations are preparing for renewed court challenges — and a fresh round of national debate.
