US President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order Wednesday imposing travel restrictions on nationals from 19 countries, citing national security.
The order primarily affects African nations, Muslim-majority states, and left-leaning countries like Venezuela, long criticised by the Trump administration.
Officials said the policy was triggered by a makeshift flamethrower attack at a Jewish protest in Colorado, allegedly committed by an undocumented Egyptian man.
Though Egypt was referenced in the justification, it was notably absent from the final list of restricted nations.
Twelve countries face complete bans on both immigrant and non-immigrant entries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Libya, and Yemen.
Other fully banned nations are Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, and Sudan—many among the poorest and most conflict-stricken in the world.
The administration cited overstayed visas, terrorism concerns, and refusal to accept deportees as reasons for the restrictions.
Seven additional nations face partial bans affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Permanent residents and dual nationals using passports from unrestricted countries are exempt from the new limitations.
Family-based immigrants may still enter if they provide compelling proof of identity and relationships, such as DNA documentation.
Athletes competing in major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, are also granted entry under specific conditions.
Exemptions were also carved out for Afghan allies who supported US forces and for persecuted Iranian minorities seeking refuge.
The restrictions, which take effect June 9, have reignited global concerns over discriminatory immigration policies cloaked in security rhetoric.
