Trump Bans Entry from 12 Countries Over National Security Concerns

In a sweeping new policy, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation barring citizens from twelve countries from entering the United States, citing national security concerns.

The executive action, which takes effect immediately on Monday, targets ten African countries, alongside Middle Eastern and Caribbean nations believed to pose "serious security risks."

According to a White House statement released Wednesday, the proclamation focuses on countries with inadequate screening and vetting processes.

Banned Nations Include:

• Afghanistan

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Yemen

The White House emphasized that the move is part of the President's efforts to protect the U.S. from foreign terrorist threats and ensure public safety.

“This action is part of the President’s commitment to safeguarding the United States from foreign terrorist threats and other national security and public safety risks,” the statement read.

The proclamation also introduces limited entry restrictions on seven other countries, considered high-risk but not facing a full ban:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

Who’s Exempt?

The White House clarified that the ban does not affect:

• Individuals with valid U.S. visas

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• Certain visa categories