Trump signs proclamation to ban travel from 12 countries

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🗞️ Driving the news: President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation banning travel to the U.S. from 12 countries, citing national security concerns
• The measure, set to take effect on June 9, imposes full restrictions on nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Iran, and Libya, and partial restrictions on seven others such as Cuba and Venezuela
• The policy follows a recent antisemitic attack in Colorado and aims to prevent what the administration calls “dangerous foreign actors” from entering the country

🔭 The context: This marks a significant policy escalation just months into Trump’s second term. It mirrors the controversial travel bans introduced during his first presidency, which predominantly targeted Muslim-majority countries and were overturned by President Biden in 2021
• The new ban is broader and revives previous criteria: countries with high visa overstay rates, inadequate identity sharing, or deficient vetting systems
• Critics argue the move has more to do with political strategy than immediate threats

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ban has direct consequences for global humanitarian systems, notably affecting refugees and asylum seekers fleeing conflict or persecution
• Groups such as Afghans with U.S. affiliations face increased barriers to safety, exacerbating displacement crises and undermining resettlement commitments
• The move may also strain diplomatic relations and undercut multilateral cooperation on climate migration, global health, and development — areas already burdened by geopolitical fragmentation

⏭️ What's next: The ban could face legal challenges, particularly from advocacy groups and civil rights organizations
• It also raises questions for agencies managing refugee intake and SIV programs
• International backlash is expected, as countries like Venezuela and humanitarian organizations like Oxfam have already condemned the proclamation
• Whether further countries are added will depend on forthcoming reviews, potentially shaping U.S. immigration and foreign policy throughout Trump’s term

💬 One quote: “This proclamation disproportionately affects families and individuals seeking lawful entry into the U.S.… It is a strategic move, not a response to an immediate threat.” — Shawn Vandiver, founder, #AfghanEvac

📈 One stat: The policy imposes full travel bans on nationals from 12 countries, and partial restrictions on citizens from 7 more, impacting millions of potential travelers and asylum seekers

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