President Donald Trump’s sweeping travel ban officially took effect early Monday, barring entry to the U.S. for nationals of twelve countries. This measure revives a controversial policy from his first administration and is expected to disrupt refugee resettlement and immigration flows.
The countries affected include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Haiti, and others facing conflict or adversarial relations with the U.S. Partial bans also apply to seven additional countries, with some temporary work visas allowed.
Trump cited a recent violent attack on Jewish protesters in Colorado by a man who had overstayed his visa as the impetus for the ban. “This attack underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted,” he said.
Mehria, a 23-year-old Afghan refugee applicant, voiced her frustration: “We gave up thousands of hopes and our entire lives… on a promise from America, but today we are suffering one hell after another.”