In a controversial move reminiscent of his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order banning entry into the United States for citizens from 12 countries, including Somalia. Citing the need to protect the country from “foreign terrorists” and other security threats, Trump defended the measure as a necessary step for national safety.
The ban forms part of Trump’s renewed crackdown on immigration since he began his second term in office. Alongside the travel restrictions, the administration has deported hundreds of Venezuelan nationals allegedly linked to piracy networks and has made efforts to block foreign students from enrolling in U.S. universities.
The full travel ban affects citizens from the following countries:
Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
In a video message posted on social media, Trump declared, “America will not allow anyone whose intent is to harm our people.” He also warned that the list could be updated in the future to include additional countries if needed.
The travel ban will officially take effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Visas issued before this date will remain valid, according to a statement from the White House.
This marks a return to policies once struck down by former President Joe Biden, who in 2021 reversed Trump’s earlier travel bans that targeted mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, calling them a “national disgrace” at the time.
This new executive order is already drawing sharp reactions and is expected to ignite fresh debates over immigration, national security, and human rights.
