President Donald Trump has reinstated and expanded a controversial travel ban targeting nationals from 12 countries, while imposing partial restrictions on seven others. This decision comes after a violent attack at a pro-Israel protest in Boulder, Colorado, where a suspect used a makeshift flamethrower and an incendiary device. U.S. authorities identified the suspect as an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa—a factor that would not have been affected by the new ban.
In a video message from the Oval Office, Trump said, “The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don’t want them.”
The travel ban, which goes into effect Monday, bars entry for nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Trump compared the new ban to his 2017 executive order, which primarily targeted Muslim-majority countries and was criticized worldwide for causing travel chaos. He argued the original ban helped prevent terror attacks in the U.S. similar to those seen in Europe, stating, “We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America.” He added, “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen.”
Certain groups are exempt from the ban, including those with existing visas, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and individuals traveling for major international events like the World Cup or Olympics. Special humanitarian exceptions include Iranians fleeing persecution and Afghans who assisted the U.S. military.
Alongside the travel ban, Trump signed a separate proclamation suspending visas for foreign students participating in exchange programs at Harvard University. The administration accused Harvard of failing to properly monitor foreign students and discipline those involved in dangerous or illegal activities. “Harvard’s actions show that it either is not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students,” Trump said.
Lawmakers Criticize the Ban as Discriminatory
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. Representative Pramila Jayapal condemned the ban, stating, “There are a myriad of reasons that people come to the United States, from travel and tourism to fleeing violent and dangerous situations. This ban, expanded from Trump’s Muslim ban in his first term, will only further isolate us on the world stage.”
Read my full statement on Trump’s dangerous Travel Ban 2.0. pic.twitter.com/6unqAp3jSD
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 5, 2025
Jayapal argued that the policy “limits legal immigration” and “flies in the face of what our country is supposed to stand for.” She added that banning people based on the government of their home country “creates a dangerous precedent.” She specifically noted that banning individuals fleeing dangerous countries such as Afghanistan—where many are at risk due to their work assisting the U.S. military—along with Congo, Haiti, and Sudan, is particularly harmful.
Jayapal also criticized the broader impact of Trump’s policies, saying, “Trump is indiscriminately taking a chainsaw to our government, destroying federal agencies that keep us safe, cutting jobs, and hindering progress across research fields. This will only hurt our country, and cannot be allowed to stand.”
Legal Challenges Expected
Trump’s travel ban is likely to face legal challenges, as similar restrictions faced multiple court battles during his first term. Immigration advocates and civil rights groups argue the ban is discriminatory and reactionary.
Internationally, the ban has also sparked reactions. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned citizens against traveling to the U.S., calling it “a great risk for anyone.”
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration insists the measures are necessary for national security. Officials say the country must ensure its immigration and visa systems reliably screen for potential threats, especially in light of recent attacks.
