Trump Reinstates/Expands Travel Ban, Targets 19 Countries
By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer
President Donald Trump has officially reinstated and expanded a controversial travel ban, now affecting travelers and visa applicants from 19 countries. The executive order, signed late Wednesday evening, reimposes a set of restrictions reminiscent of the 2017 travel ban, but with broader reach and deeper consequences. The policy targets 12 predominantly Muslim-majority nations and adds 7 new countries to the list, drawing immediate criticism from civil rights groups, immigration advocates, and top academic institutions.
At the heart of the policy is a sharp tightening of U.S. visa programs, including a new block on certain international students attending elite universities such as Harvard, which the administration accuses of harboring "unvetted foreign influence."
National Security or Political Maneuvering?
In remarks at the White House, Trump justified the renewed ban as a "necessary measure" to protect the homeland from “external threats, espionage, and infiltration from hostile or unstable regimes.”
“We are not going to allow bad actors to enter our country under the guise of education or tourism,” Trump said. “This is about common sense. We are putting America first, finally, after years of weak leadership.”
The 12 countries subject to a full or partial ban include Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, North Korea, Venezuela, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The seven newly restricted countries include Bangladesh, Mali, Algeria, Belarus, Lebanon, South Africa, and Turkey. The administration stated that each of the newly listed nations either “fails to adequately share security data” or has “ties to terrorist or anti-American organizations.”
Visa Suspensions for Foreign Students
Perhaps the most controversial portion of the new order is a provision targeting international students, especially those studying in programs deemed “strategically sensitive” such as artificial intelligence, biomedical research, and quantum computing. The order immediately suspends new student visas for citizens from the 19 banned countries, and revokes certain F-1 and J-1 visas already issued for students attending universities with “high-risk national research agendas.” Though no schools are named explicitly, a leaked DHS memo referenced Harvard, Stanford, and MIT as institutions requiring “additional review protocols.” Harvard University quickly responded with a strongly worded statement, calling the policy “discriminatory, shortsighted, and harmful to global academic collaboration.”
“Singling out our students based on nationality and field of study undermines the values of open inquiry and freedom of thought,” said interim Harvard President Sarah Thompson. “We intend to challenge this order in court, as we did in 2017.”
Backlash and Legal Challenges
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several immigrant rights groups announced lawsuits within hours of the order’s release. “This is a political stunt masquerading as national security,” said ACLU attorney Farah Jamil. “Once again, this administration is targeting Muslims, immigrants, and students under the false pretense of patriotism.” International leaders also voiced concern. Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued a formal protest, calling the ban “a grave breach of diplomatic norms.” Iran’s government denounced the move as “Islamophobic and provocative.”
Meanwhile, travel industry leaders warned of severe economic consequences. “Travel bans not only disrupt families and communities, they devastate the tourism and higher education sectors,” said Roger Dow, president of the U.S. Travel Association. “Our global competitiveness is already slipping. This will accelerate that decline.”
Republican Support and Division
Despite the backlash, Republican leaders largely backed Trump’s decision. House member Elise Stefanik called the ban “a bold step to secure our borders and national interests.” However, some moderate Republicans expressed discomfort with the targeting of students and universities. “Protecting national security should not come at the expense of academic freedom and innovation,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “We must be careful not to isolate ourselves from the world.”
Political Implications
The renewed travel ban comes as President Trump seeks to shore up his national security credentials ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. Analysts say it may serve to energize his base, particularly amid heightened concerns over terrorism, cyberattacks, and foreign influence in U.S. institutions. However, the move also risks alienating younger voters, immigrants, and international allies, many of whom view the policy as discriminatory and regressive. This is more than just a travel ban,” said Dr. Amar Bhattacharya, a political science professor at Georgetown University. “It’s a cultural signal that Trump is willing to sacrifice global engagement for domestic applause.”
What’s Next?
Legal battles are already underway, and several federal courts may issue injunctions in the coming weeks. Universities are scrambling to reassure international students and faculty while preparing contingency plans. Meanwhile, affected travelers and families are facing renewed uncertainty and heartbreak. For many, this latest policy shift evokes the early days of Trump’s first term, a reminder that the debates over immigration, security, and American identity remain far from settled.
