Deficient vetting in the affected countries poses a risk to US security, the White House argued

US President Donald Trump reinstated a travel ban affecting citizens from 19 countries, citing national security concerns, the White House announced late Wednesday. The countries affected by the Republican administration's decision have deficiencies in screening and vetting processes, it was explained.

The full prohibition affects nationals from Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, seven countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela) face partial restrictions.

The ban will become effective one minute past midnight next Monday and will not apply to lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, certain visa categories, or individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.

During his first term in office, Trump implemented a similar travel ban in 2017, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. The latest proclamation follows a recent terrorist attack in Colorado, which officials linked to an individual who had overstayed a visa.

Trump insisted the newer restrictions aim to prevent similar incidents and ensure stricter immigration enforcement. “We will restore the travel ban, some call it the Trump travel ban, and keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country, as upheld by the Supreme Court.” During his first term, Trump implemented a similar measure that was validated by the top court, which recognized that the restriction “is expressly based on legitimate purposes,” he said.

The White House also pointed out that the ban is based on Executive Order 14161, issued on January 20, 2025, under the title “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other Threats to National and Public Security.”

“The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to obtain the cooperation of foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, as well as advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives,” the US Government also pointed out.