Washington, D.C. — In a move reminiscent of his 2017 executive order, President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban Wednesday, targeting citizens from 12 countries. The White House stated the ban will take effect Monday, citing national security concerns following a violent incident in Colorado.
Boulder Flamethrower Attack Sparks Executive Action
The latest restrictions come in the wake of a homemade flamethrower attack on a Jewish protest in Boulder, Colorado. The alleged assailant, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, was identified as an illegal immigrant who had overstayed a tourist visa and applied for asylum in 2022.
Soliman reportedly attacked a group supporting Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The event sent shockwaves through the administration and became the immediate catalyst for the travel ban.
Trump Calls for Action Against “Unvetted Foreign Nationals”
In a video message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Trump stated:
“The Boulder attack demonstrates the clear and present danger of unvetted foreign nationals. We don’t want them here.”
He likened the move to his controversial 2017 travel ban, claiming it helped protect the U.S. from attacks that “terrorized Europe.”
Full Ban on 12 Countries, Partial Restrictions on 7
The executive order completely bans travel from the following nations:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
In addition, the order imposes partial travel restrictions—mostly on tourists—from:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
White House Justifies Action on Security Grounds
According to the administration, these countries were targeted for reasons including:
- Lack of reliable identity vetting systems
- High visa overstay rates
- Refusal to share security and threat intelligence
The proclamation specifically cited that several nations—such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen—lack functioning central governments capable of managing secure travel documents or passenger verification. Iran was labeled a “state sponsor of terrorism,” while ongoing U.S. military engagement with Yemen’s Houthi rebels was also referenced.
Venezuela Warns Citizens Against Traveling to the U.S.
Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, swiftly condemned the order and issued a warning:
“The risk is too great, not just for Venezuelans but for anybody.”
Cabello accused the U.S. of hypocrisy and suggested the ban exposes deeper issues with America’s internal security, not foreign nationals.
Quiet Signing, No Press Coverage
In a departure from his typical style, Trump signed the executive order without media presence. This quiet rollout followed a “summer soiree” at the White House, where Trump addressed a crowd of 3,000 political allies.
The decision, though subdued in delivery, had been foreshadowed after the Boulder attack and demonstrates Trump’s renewed focus on tightening immigration policy.
Deputy Press Secretary Defends Policy
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson posted on X:
“This is a commonsense measure to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.”
She echoed Trump’s rhetoric, calling the new restrictions a “necessary step” to strengthen national defense.
Harvard Student Visa Ban Adds Fuel to the Fire
In a surprising addition, Trump’s executive order also bans visas for international students enrolling at Harvard University, which he has repeatedly described as a “liberal dogma hub.”
Critics labeled the move political, seeing it as part of Trump’s broader strategy to challenge elite institutions he views as ideologically opposed to his administration.
Legal Challenges Loom
As with the 2017 travel ban, the new order is expected to face strong legal opposition. Civil liberties groups have already signaled plans to sue, arguing that the policy discriminates on the basis of nationality and does little to enhance national security.
“Banning entire countries is not a solution—it’s a political gesture with real human costs,” said Nadine Haq, spokesperson for the American Immigration Council.
International Fallout and Global Response
Early signs of diplomatic backlash are already emerging. Leaders from Sudan, Iran, and Myanmar have requested emergency discussions through their embassies, while allies in Europe and Canada have expressed “serious concern” over the new U.S. stance.
As the ban moves toward implementation, it is likely to test America’s foreign relations, immigration system, and the political balance heading into Trump’s second term.
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