US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation banning citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States. The move, announced on Wednesday, June 4, aims to protect Americans from foreign threats.
The banned countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – face partial restrictions.
Trump’s decision comes after a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian man, Mohamed Zabrini Soliman, was accused of throwing a firebomb at a Jewish gathering, injuring eight people. Authorities stated that Soliman was in the country illegally.
In a video clip posted on X from the White House, Trump emphasized that the latest terrorist attack in Colorado highlights the severe danger posed by foreigners who have not been properly vetted. He stated, “We don’t want them in this country.”
Trump also noted that the list of banned countries could be expanded if new threats emerge from other countries. He compared the new measure to his previous travel ban, which limited travel from seven Muslim-majority countries during his first term as president.
The new proclamation will take effect on June 9 at 00:01 US time. However, exemptions apply to athletes, coaches, and close relatives traveling for global competitions like the World Cup, Olympics, or other sports events.
Source: channelnewsasia