The US closes its doors to 12 countries and limits 7 more.
Donald J. Trump tightens immigration ban on 19 countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday banning entry to citizens of 12 countries and restricting entry to seven others, arguing that they pose a threat to national security. The measure will affect thousands of people starting next Monday, June 9, when it goes into effect at 12:01 a.m.
A statement issued by the White House The U.S. Department of State notes that the countries completely banned are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Meanwhile, entry from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be restricted.
"Most of these countries are deficient in detection and control, and pose a very high risk to the United States," the order states. "We don't want them," the president said in a video posted on the official White House account on X, where he also linked this measure to a recent anti-Semitic attack in Colorado. Trump claimed that the attacker, of Egyptian origin, entered the country with a tourist visa, although Egypt is not on the list of banned countries.
"I must act to protect national security and the interests of the American people," argued the president, who blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for relaxing border controls.
In a tone similar to that used during his first term, Trump warned: "We will not let what has happened in Europe happen in the United States," referring to jihadist attacks.
Some exceptions:
It should be noted that, despite the announced measure, those with legal permanent residence (green card) or dual nationality will be allowed to enter; in the latter case, if they are traveling with a passport from a non-banned country. Participants in high-level sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympic Games are also allowed to enter.
Visas will also be granted to family members of US citizens, Afghan collaborators, and people persecuted for religious reasons in countries like Iran. Already recognized refugees will not have their entry permits revoked.
The list of countries stems from an executive order signed on January 20, the day of Trump's official return to the White House, in which he requested a report on "hostile attitudes" toward the U.S. and the potential risks of allowing entry to certain foreign nationals, the White House said.
For more stories like this, follow More Latin.
Fountain:
English 
Spanish