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Trump announces travel ban on citizens of 12 countries, set to go into effect Monday

The article from PBS NewsHour, titled "Trump announces travel ban on citizens of 12 countries set to go into effect Monday," details a significant policy change announced by the Trump administration regarding travel restrictions. The policy, set to take effect on February 21, 2020, expands the travel ban to include citizens from six additional countries, bringing the total to 12 nations affected by the restrictions. The countries newly added to the list are Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. The original list of countries included in the travel ban, which was first implemented in 2017, comprised Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

The announcement of the expanded travel ban was made by President Donald Trump via a proclamation, which he described as a necessary measure to enhance national security. The proclamation stated that the additional countries were included due to their failure to meet the minimum security and information-sharing standards required by the U.S. government. The decision to expand the travel ban was based on a review conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, which assessed the countries' compliance with U.S. security protocols.

The travel ban primarily affects non-immigrant visa applicants, such as those seeking to enter the U.S. for tourism, business, or temporary work. However, the restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent residents (green card holders), dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country, or individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status. The proclamation also includes certain exceptions and waivers, which can be granted on a case-by-case basis for individuals who can demonstrate that their entry would not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The announcement of the expanded travel ban was met with immediate criticism from various quarters, including human rights organizations, immigration advocates, and some political leaders. Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory and unfairly targets countries with predominantly Muslim populations. They contend that the travel ban is a continuation of the Trump administration's efforts to implement a "Muslim ban," a characterization that the administration has consistently denied.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was quick to condemn the expanded travel ban, stating that it would further harm families and communities already affected by the initial version of the policy. The ACLU, along with other organizations, vowed to challenge the new restrictions in court, arguing that they violate the Constitution and federal law. Previous versions of the travel ban had been subject to legal challenges, with the Supreme Court ultimately upholding the policy in a 5-4 decision in June 2018.

The inclusion of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, in the expanded travel ban drew particular attention and concern. Nigeria's government expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that it was working closely with U.S. authorities to address any security concerns. The Nigerian government also emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States and its efforts to combat terrorism and other security threats.

The travel ban's impact on Nigeria and the other newly added countries is expected to be significant, particularly in terms of business and educational exchanges. Many Nigerian citizens travel to the U.S. for work, study, and family visits, and the new restrictions could disrupt these important connections. Similarly, the other countries affected by the expanded travel ban have strong ties to the U.S. in various sectors, and the policy could have far-reaching consequences for their citizens and economies.

The Trump administration defended the expanded travel ban as a necessary measure to protect the American people from potential security threats. White House officials argued that the policy was based on a thorough review of each country's security practices and that the decision to include additional nations was made solely on the basis of national security concerns. They also emphasized that the travel ban was not a permanent measure and that countries could be removed from the list if they improved their security and information-sharing practices.

The announcement of the expanded travel ban came at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and several countries on the list, particularly Iran and Venezuela. The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance against these nations, imposing economic sanctions and other measures in response to their actions. The travel ban is seen by some as part of a broader strategy to pressure these countries and isolate them from the international community.

The expanded travel ban also raised questions about its potential impact on the U.S. economy and its reputation as a welcoming destination for international visitors and students. Critics argue that the policy could deter tourists, business travelers, and students from coming to the U.S., leading to a loss of revenue and a decline in the country's soft power. They also contend that the travel ban sends a message of exclusion and discrimination, which could harm the U.S.'s standing in the world.

In response to these concerns, the Trump administration maintained that the travel ban was a targeted measure aimed at addressing specific security risks and that it would not have a significant impact on the overall number of visitors to the U.S. They also pointed to the exceptions and waivers included in the proclamation as evidence that the policy was not intended to be a blanket ban on travel from the affected countries.

As the expanded travel ban was set to take effect, many questions remained about its implementation and potential legal challenges. Immigration advocates and affected communities braced for the impact of the new restrictions, while the Trump administration prepared to defend the policy in court and in the court of public opinion. The expanded travel ban was seen as a continuation of the Trump administration's hardline approach to immigration and national security, and its long-term effects on U.S. foreign relations, the economy, and the lives of countless individuals around the world remained to be seen.

Read the Full PBS Article at:
[ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-announces-travel-ban-on-citizens-of-12-countries-set-to-go-into-effect-monday ]