President Trump has reinstated a travel ban targeting nationals from 12 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia.
President Donald Trump has reinstated a controversial travel ban targeting nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and the Republic of Congo. The proclamation, signed Wednesday, restricts entry into the United States citing “national security” and “public-safety risks.”
“As President, I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump stated.
The ban also affects nationals from Myanmar, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions apply to seven other countries, including Cuba and Venezuela.
Critics argue the move is discriminatory. “The annual chance of being murdered by a terrorist from one of the banned countries was about 1 in 13.9 billion per year,” said Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute.
Trump cited a recent attack in Colorado as justification, although the suspect’s country, Egypt, is not included in the ban. The restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Monday.