US Entry Ban on 12 Countries Including Iran Takes Effect

Existing Visa Holders Exempted
Trump Cites "Terrorism Risk and Public Safety Concerns"

According to a report by the Associated Press, a U.S. entry ban targeting 12 countries, including Iran, will take effect starting June 9 (local time).

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning nationals from 12 countries in Africa and the Middle East from entering the United States. The countries subject to the ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. As a result, starting from this day, nationals from these countries who apply for a new visa will not be able to obtain one.

In addition, entry to the United States will be partially restricted for nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

However, the U.S. State Department stated that even for nationals of countries subject to the entry ban, those who already have a valid U.S. visa will still be allowed to enter.

President Trump cited the possibility of terrorism and risks to public safety as the reasons for this measure. He also argued, based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's annual report, that nationals from these countries are highly likely to overstay their visas and remain in the country illegally.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that immigrants from these countries "were not surprised by the president's action," noting that "throughout the campaign, President Trump repeatedly promised to reinstate the controversial travel ban from his first term." However, the report added that "they said they still felt hurt and confused."