Washington, D.C. – In a move reigniting global debates on migration, security, and discrimination, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping proclamation barring or restricting entry from 19 countries, including several in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The order, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, fully bars nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. An additional seven nations—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions.

The White House claims the ban is aimed at countries that “lack proper security vetting” or fail to adequately share information with the U.S. “President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors,” said Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

However, critics argue the decision leans heavily on fear-based policies and reintroduces a form of “travel apartheid,” disproportionately targeting developing nations and people fleeing crisis.

According to U.S. officials, the policy was accelerated following an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, though the suspect—an Egyptian national—came from a country not listed in the ban. The White House has not explained that omission.

“This isn’t about targeting religion or race,” Trump insisted in a video posted shortly after the announcement. “New countries can be added as threats emerge. We will not allow those who wish to do us harm to step foot in our country.”

Despite those words, the policy bears striking resemblance to Trump's earlier “Muslim Ban” from 2017, which was eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court before being repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

At least eight African countries are affected by the new ban in full or in part—raising alarms across the continent and within diaspora communities. In countries like Chad, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Burundi, the move threatens family reunifications, business travel, and humanitarian migration pathways.

“This is a calculated move—not a direct response to any specific threat,” said Shawn Vandiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, a coalition helping Afghans resettle in the U.S. “It’s the most vulnerable families and lawful visa applicants who suffer the most.”

Afghans, in particular, face dire consequences. Though the proclamation includes a technical exemption for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders—interpreters and allies of U.S. forces during the war—thousands remain stranded due to earlier Trump-era policies that froze refugee admissions and foreign aid.

The proclamation has already sparked swift condemnation. In Caracas, Venezuela’s Minister of Interior, Diosdado Cabello, said sarcastically on state television: “If you’re really that foolish, then go to the United States. It's a big risk for anyone—not just Venezuelans.”

Humanitarian organizations echoed the criticism. Oxfam America’s President, Abby Maxman, warned the ban would “force families fleeing war and persecution to remain in dangerous conditions.”

“This marks a chilling return to policies of fear, discrimination, and division,” she said.

The policy includes exceptions for lawful U.S. residents, visa holders, diplomats, and those with entry deemed in the “national interest.” But critics argue the exemptions are too narrow and obscure.

The Trump administration says it will revise the list “as countries improve their vetting systems,” but historically, that process has been opaque and political.

For now, thousands of families remain in limbo—blocked by a stroke of a pen that may reshape how the world sees U.S. immigration for years to come.