President Donald Trump's resurrected travel ban on 12 countries to affect minority families in Chicago area, refugee groups say
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump is resurrecting his travel ban.

This time, most of the countries on his list have populations that are majority Black, many with relatives in the Chicago area.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Ednerson Jean Baptiste moved from Haiti two decades ago. Given the severe instability and danger in his homeland, he hoped that more of his relatives could join him in Chicago.

“As immigrants, we understand the value of hard work,” stated Jean Baptiste. “When we arrive in this country, our aim is not to create problems. We want to contribute and strengthen the economy because we see this as an admirable nation.”

This is a xenophobic attempt at family separation, and just the rhetoric around it just doesn’t match the countries that are listed.

Fasika Alem, United African Organization

However, President Trump believes people from certain countries are in the U.S. to cause trouble.

Haiti is one of 12 countries on a travel ban to begin Monday. Seven other countries have restrictions.

“Well, we don’t want to have other bad people coming into our country, by using the word bad, I’m being nice,” Trump said.

Besides Haiti, the travel ban mostly affects the Middle East and Africa.

“We strongly view this as a xenophobic effort to separate families, and the discourse surrounding it doesn’t align with the countries listed,” expressed Fasika Alem from the United African Organization.

President Trump escalated his immigration crack down following the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado. The suspect charged overstayed his VISA. He is from Egypt, which is not on Trump’s list.

The United African Organization helps resettle refugees. Alem, a program director, said the ban not only prevents families and friends from spending special events together. It also affects Americans who adopt a child from one of the countries.

“I was to adopt a child from any of those countries, it would not enable them to migrate under family based petition, they would be restricted because they are not blood relation,” Alem said.

Alem and Jean Baptiste said most people leaving the countries on Trump’s list are doing so because they are escaping war or persecution not caused by their own actions.

“There’s a lot of Haitians who would probably whether to die here than to go back to like, you know, certain part of the country because of the unsafe, because of there isn’t there’s no safety there,” Jean Baptiste said.

Like it did in 2016. the United African Organization said it will join with other refugee organizations to push back against the travel ban, which could possibly mean legal action.

“Nobody wants to leave home unless they have to, and I think that is important for people to understand,” Alem said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
What are federal child care funds? What to know amid planned funding freeze

Understanding Federal Child Care Funds: Key Insights as Funding Freeze Looms

The Trump administration has announced a nationwide suspension of child care funding…
Girl begged for help months before alleged killing by father, girlfriend — earlier abuse case closed: report

Tragic Oversight: Pleas for Help Ignored Months Before Father’s Alleged Murder of Daughter, Report Reveals

In a heart-wrenching revelation, recently unveiled police documents have brought to light…
Dispatch records from Brown University shooting capture chaos of deadly campus attack

Chaos Unleashed: Inside the Heart-Pounding Dispatch Records of Brown University’s Fatal Campus Shooting

FIRST ON FOX: In a harrowing incident that has rocked the Brown…
Explosive fire kills multiple people at Swiss Alps bar during New Year’s celebrations

Tragic New Year’s Eve: Deadly Fire Claims Lives at Swiss Alps Bar

During New Year’s festivities, a devastating fire erupted at a bar in…
Trump says he’s dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now

Trump Halts National Guard Deployment Plans in Chicago, LA, and Portland Amid Ongoing Tensions

By MICHELLE L. PRICE WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has temporarily…
.GIF of lethal kinetic strike on narco-terrorist vessel

U.S. Military Confirms Fatalities in December 31st Strike on Alleged Narco-Terrorist Vessels

In a decisive move against criminal networks, the U.S. military conducted a…
After legal setbacks, President Donald Trump says he's dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA, Portland, Oregon, for now

Trump Halts National Guard Deployment Plans in Major Cities Amid Legal Challenges

CHICAGO — President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily halt his initiative…
Gov. DeSantis makes new appointment to St. Augustine Airport Authority

Governor DeSantis Appoints Key Leader to Propel St. Augustine Airport Authority Forward

With the Florida Senate’s confirmation, Daniel Bean is set to join the…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Mamdani Takes Oath as NYC’s 112th Mayor in Unique Midnight City Hall Ceremony

In an underground event held just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran Mamdani…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Historic Midnight Ceremony: Mamdani Becomes New York City’s 112th Mayor

In a unique and underground setting just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran…
Deported illegal immigrant caught by GPS tracker pleads guilty to robbing 7 convenience stores in California

GPS Tracker Unmasks Deported Immigrant’s California Crime Spree: Guilty Plea for 7 Robberies

An illegal immigrant who had previously been deported confessed in court on…
New Year's around the world: Cities across the globe welcome 2026 with thunderous fireworks and heightened security

Global Celebrations: Cities Worldwide Usher in 2026 with Spectacular Fireworks Displays and Enhanced Security Measures

As Auckland’s clocks struck midnight, the city ushered in the New Year…