A new executive order signed by former President Donald Trump places severe travel limitations on individuals from 12 countries, thus closing the door for most people. The foregrounded foreign policy, resembling the travel bans of 2017, has stirred up both controversy and debate about the balance between national security and humanitarian issues.
Countries Affected by the Full Ban
The nationals of these 12 countries, following the new regulation, will not be allowed to have a visa with the US under any circumstances:
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Syria
- Yemen
- North Korea
- Venezuela (certain government officials)
- Chad (previously removed but reinstated)
- Iraq (new addition)
- Sudan
- Eritrea
- Myanmar (Burma)
Travel ban includes the people who are coming for immigration, tourism, and business purposes, but with minimal exceptions.
Key Exemptions to the Ban
Despite the harsh restrictions, there are still a few people from these countries who might be allowed in if they have the exemptions mentioned below:
- Permanent US Residents (Green Card Holders) – Lawful permanent residents are those who have been given the green card, and thus, they are not affected by this rule.
- Dual Nationals – For example, a person who has both UK and Iranian citizenship can still enter the S, if such a person travels using their non-banned passport.
- Diplomats & Government Officials – Issue of special travel documents to diplomats who work under diplomatic organizations, such as the UN, is one of,h the exceptions.
- Asylum Seekers & Refugees – People that had already started the process to apply for asylum in the US or have refugee status that has been approved by the authorities are eligible.
- Existing Visa Holders – People with visas issued before the ban will remain valid, and those individuals can travel to the US.
- Special Cases (Medical, Family Emergencies) – In cases of very urgent humanitarian reasons, such a situation can be considered as a case of exemption, and permission can be given to enter despite the ban.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
Critics state that the ban is an extremely unfair move that affects only those countries whose main religion is Islam, and they declare that such a ban will have some legal issues similar to the first ban of travel by Trum,p whi,c h after multiple changes, was eventually accepted by the Supreme Court in 2018. Meanwhile, on the other side, the supporters of the ban argue that the implementation of such a measure is inevitable for the protection of the country.
The Biden administration had undone the travel ban of Trump previously, but now, since Trump is president again, the elected policy with changes has been implemented.
What Happens Next?
The ban is likely to be implemented once the consulates receive the directive, and they are not allowed to continue processing most visa applications from the countries in the list. Those who have not yet completed their applications may find that theirs are revoked if they do not meet the conditions.
People who want to get exemptions will be subjected to a very thorough checking process, and only a few will be given the green light.
The story has not yet reached its conclusion—there will be further updates when the coming of the various parties, advocacy groups, foreign governments, and legal experts’ reactions are disclosed.
