Donald Trump's travel ban takes effect today: Citizens from 12 countries affected — all you need to know

United States President Donald Trump's new travel ban on citizens of 12 countries, has come into effect today (June 9), AFP reported, noting that those impacted especially include refugees and immigrants.

On the list of countries in the divisive travel ban include Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, and Libya — either those facing severe crisis or with “adversarial relations” against the US, the report added.

What is Donald Trump's reason for the travel ban?

Donald Trump announced the move last week, after a crowd of Jewish protestors in Colarado were attacked by a man that White House claims had overstayed his visa.

According to the US president, the attack “underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted” or who overstay their visas.

Donald Trump added that Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and war-torn Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen lacked “competent” central authorities for processing passports and vetting. Further, Iran was included because it is a “state sponsor of terrorism”.

For the other countries, the order cited an above-average likelihood that people would overstay their visas.

What is the scope of Donald Trump's travel ban?

• According to the White House, the move fully bars entry into the US for citizens of the following 12 countries — Afghanistan, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
• It also imposes a partial ban on travelers from — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. An exception will be made for some temporary work visas for these citizens.

Donald Trump in his announcement had warned that new countries could be added, “as threats emerge around the world”.

Are there any exceptions to Donald Trump's US travel ban?

• As per Donald Trump's order, the ban does not apply to athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US; or the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
• It also does not apply to diplomats from the targeted countries.
• According to an AP report, the new ban does not revoke visas previously issued to people from countries on the list.
• However, if applicants find it hard to meet the narrow criteria for exemption to the ban, their application will be rejected from today (June 9).
• Travelers with previously issued visas should still be able to enter the U.S. even after the ban takes effect.

(With inputs from Agencies)