Trump's New Travel Ban: 19 Countries Affected, Refugees at Risk

Trump's New Travel Ban Sparks Controversy: 19 Countries Affected, Refugees at Risk U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new travel ban on June 5th, 2025, impacting citizens from 19 countries. The ban, effective June 9th, targets 12 countries with complete travel restrictions and 7 others with partial limitations. The White House cited a recent gasoline-bomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, as the primary justification for this action. "The recent terror attack in Boulder has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country," President Trump stated in a televised address. This statement is the core of the ban's justification. However, the ban has drawn swift criticism from human rights advocates and refugee organizations. Dossou Patrice Ahouansou, Principal Situation Coordinator in Chad for UNHCR, expressed concerns about the potential impact on refugees. "Refugees are coming in very dire situations. What they are reporting to us is difficult to hear. Horrendous stories of human rights violations. They are fleeing into terror, many under fire, extortion," Ahouansou explained. Steve Futterman, a journalist, noted similarities between this ban and a 2017 attempt, highlighting the potential for legal challenges. He explained that the 2017 ban was met with legal challenges and was ultimately revised. The Supreme Court's involvement in the 2017 case suggests a similar outcome is possible this time. The ban includes exemptions for green card holders and those involved in next year's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite these exemptions, the potential impact on vulnerable populations remains a major concern.