Trump announces travel ban affecting a dozen countries set to go into effect Monday
Share this @internewscast.com


WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is resurrecting the travel ban policy from his first term, signing a proclamation Wednesday night preventing people from a dozen countries from entering the United States.

The countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

In addition to the ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, there will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

“I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump said in his proclamation.

Ten of the 19 countries under the bans and restrictions are in Africa, nine of those from majority Black African countries. Several of those, including Sierra Leone, Togo, and Equatorial Guinea, are not known for hosting armed groups that pose a major threat to the West.

The list results from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on “hostile attitudes” toward the U.S. and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk.

During his first term, Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the U.S. or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family.

The order, often referred to as the “Muslim ban” or the “travel ban,” was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

The ban affected various categories of travelers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families.

Trump and others have defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias. However, the president had called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of President Donald Trump at

___

Amiri reported from the United Nations. Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Controversial Artillery Plans During Vance Visit Sparks Tension with California’s Newsom

A plan to conduct a live artillery exercise over a major highway…

UK Monarchy Sidelines Prince Andrew Amid Mounting Scandals: A Royal Shake-Up

It was the scandal that tipped the scales. Newly surfaced emails this…

Former LAPD Officer Arrested at LAX for 2015 Homeless Man’s Fatal Shooting: Shocking Details Revealed

In a significant development, former Los Angeles Police Department officer Clifford Proctor…

Tragic Morning Collision in Decatur Claims One Life

A tragic accident in Decatur, Illinois, claimed the life of a young…

OSF Staff Contributes $30,000 to United Way of Champaign County

In a generous act of community support, the team at OSF Heart…

Federal Authorities Pursue Individual Suspected of Vandalizing Arizona ICE Facility

Federal authorities are intensifying efforts to identify a masked individual responsible for…

Hundreds Rally in Tampa for ‘No Kings’ Protest Movement

Across the United States, including in the Tampa Bay area, ‘No Kings’…

St. Pete Animal Shelter Seeks Urgent Help After Van Crash with 17 Pets Onboard

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A local animal shelter is urgently seeking…

Key Dates to Watch for the Potential Resolution of the Shutdown

As of Friday, the government shutdown has entered the ranks of the…

Weekend Weather Alert: Late Sunday Rain Front Set to Impact Regions

The remainder of your Saturday promises to be pleasant, with mostly clear…

Champaign Co. EMA Secures Major Grant for Cutting-Edge Technology Enhancements

URBANA, Ill. — The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency is set to…

SSU Selected as One of 30 Schools for Innovative Freshman AI Program

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Savannah State University (SSU) has been chosen as one…