The border is being shut tight.
Former President Donald Trump’s new travel restrictions targeting several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South America took effect on Monday. The directive blocks entry to the United States for citizens from a dozen nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, among others.
The executive order also places tighter entry requirements on individuals from countries such as Cuba, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, particularly those currently abroad without valid U.S. visas. However, the policy does not affect individuals who already hold active visas, allowing them to travel to the U.S. as usual.
Trump cited national security concerns as the primary motivation behind the decision. He referenced a recent violent incident in Boulder, Colorado—allegedly carried out by an Egyptian man who had overstayed his visa—as a catalyst for the renewed restrictions. The attack reportedly targeted a group supporting the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas.
In a statement shared via social media, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to preventing potential threats from entering the country. The White House also released a fact sheet explaining the rationale for the ban, echoing Trump’s long-standing stance on limiting immigration from regions considered high-risk. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott affirmed the decision, stating that proper vetting procedures must be guaranteed to ensure national security.
Trump concluded his remarks by reaffirming that the U.S. cannot afford to admit individuals from countries that pose a security challenge. He framed the travel limitations as essential to safeguarding Americans from extremist threats and reiterated his administration’s unwavering stance on keeping the nation secure.
