New Travel Restrictions Take Effect Under Trump’s Administration
MIAMI — New travel restrictions announced by President Donald Trump have come into play, impacting citizens from 12 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East. This move is part of a broader approach to immigration control that the administration has been focusing on recently.
The proclamation signed by Trump lists countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, it tightens rules for travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela who are outside the United States without valid visas.
Interestingly, the new restrictions do not cancel existing visas for individuals from the listed countries. However, applicants will face rejections unless they meet specific exemption criteria starting Monday. Travelers with previously issued visas are expected to still enter the U.S. without issues following the implementation of these restrictions.
During Trump’s first term, a hastily drafted executive order limiting entry from predominantly Muslim countries caused chaos at various airports. This earlier restriction faced legal challenges, which led to significant changes in its application.
Upon the new restrictions going into effect, there were no immediate delays observed at Miami International Airport, where a steady stream of passengers filled the international arrivals area. Two travelers from Guatemala underwent three separate interviews by federal agents after presenting their newly obtained tourist visas. Fortunately, they were allowed to continue their journey about an hour later.
One of the travelers, Vicenta Aguilar, shared that they were questioned on various personal details, including their employment, number of children, and plans for their visit. The couple was relieved when they were welcomed by their family, including their grandchildren holding a welcoming sign.
Additionally, Luis Hernández, a Cuban resident who has been in the U.S. for three years, reported a smooth return to Miami after visiting family in Cuba, stating he faced no questions apart from showing his residency card.
Immigration experts believe the new travel ban is more thoughtfully constructed, aiming to avoid the legal pitfalls that thwarted the earlier restrictions by focusing on the visa application process.
Trump mentioned that some countries have poor passport control systems or have historically refused to take back their citizens, citing an annual report from the Department of Homeland Security concerning individuals who overstay their visas. This issue has been a challenge for years, but data has been gathered since 2016.
Linking the new restrictions to recent events, Trump pointed to a terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, stating it highlighted the risks associated with individuals overstaying their visas. The suspect, who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa, was from Egypt, which is not on the restricted list.
Organizations aiding refugee resettlement quickly criticized the move. Oxfam America’s president stated that this policy appears more about creating division than enhancing national security.
The transitional presidential council of Haiti expressed concern that the ban would indiscriminately impact all Haitians. Citing severe gang violence in Port-au-Prince, the council is negotiating with the U.S. to remove Haiti from the ban list.
Despite the challenges, some Haitians, like civil engineer Sheena Jean-Pierre, expressed understanding of the limitations, noting that while Haiti struggles with law and order, the U.S. follows more predictable processes.
The inclusion of Afghanistan in the travel ban angered some supporters who have assisted with resettling Afghan allies. However, the ban does provide a few exceptions for Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas granted to those closely allied with the U.S. during the two decades of conflict in the region.
