US President Donald Trump signed on Wednesday (4) a measure restricting the entry of citizens from some countries into the United States. The measure takes effect starting June 9, but visas issued prior to this date will not be revoked.
According to the document, the US government wants to protect its citizens from possible terrorist attacks and other threats to national or public security. Trump said the countries on the total blockade list were selected for harboring terrorists, lack of cooperation on visa security, and inability to accurately verify travelers’ identities, as well as inadequate maintenance of criminal records and high overstay rates in the US.
“We cannot have open immigration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably examine and select those seeking to enter the United States,” said President Donald Trump.
The White House stated that exemptions from the measure apply to athletes, including coaches and close relatives traveling for the 2026 World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting events.
The signed order completely blocks entry from 12 countries. They are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Congo, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face partial restrictions.