WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Trump administration escalated its attack on immigrants by issuing a new travel ban. The proclamation bans immigrants and visitors from 12 countries and severely restricts immigrants from seven more. This move does nothing to make us safer or lower costs for working people in this country. In fact, Trump’s xenophobia and deliberate targeting of travel from Muslim-majority nations will only inflame international tensions and weaken our national security.
Here are the facts. The ban went into effect on Monday, June 9. With very limited exceptions, citizens of these countries are barred from traveling to the United States: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Trump’s order also includes travel and visa restrictions for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The proclamation warns that Egypt may be added to the list.
Importantly, this ban does not affect the immigration status of people already in the U.S. The proclamation does not give the government the power to revoke anyone’s visa.
I’m incredibly concerned about the impacts this ban will have on all immigrants, particularly our Afghan allies here in Vermont, many of whom served alongside U.S. troops and were evacuated in 2021 with the promise that their families and children could join them within a year.
The Trump administration can’t get their story straight when it comes to Afghanistan. On one hand, Afghanistan is included in this new travel ban because of the dangers posed by the Taliban. On the other, Secretary Noem recently terminated protections for Afghans legally residing in America on the baseless claim that the security situation and economy there have improved enough that returning does not pose a threat to personal safety. One of these has to be false.
The truth is that this is not a rational policy. It’s based on bigotry, hatred, and cruelty. I have joined my colleagues in calling on Secretaries Noem and Rubio to explain or defend this destructive policy. I will continue to oppose these hateful, anti-immigrant actions taken by Trump and his administration.
Becca Balint represents Vermont in the U.S. Congress.
