Trump Announces New Visa Restrictions Targeting 19 Countries

Trump's New Visa Restrictions Spark Debate: A Summary of the Announcement and its Implications Former President Donald Trump announced sweeping new visa restrictions on June 5th, 2025, impacting citizens from 19 countries. This decision, announced via a short video statement, has ignited widespread debate. Trump cited national security as the primary reason, specifically referencing the recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. The announcement details a full ban on entry for citizens of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, partial restrictions will apply to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. "We will not let what happened in Europe happen to America," Trump stated in the video, linking the restrictions to a broader concern about terrorism and illegal immigration. He also criticized the previous administration's immigration policies, claiming they led to "millions of illegals" in the U.S. The video, subtitled in both Italian and English, has garnered significant attention on social media. The decision has drawn criticism from various human rights organizations and immigration advocates, who argue that the restrictions are discriminatory and ineffective. However, supporters of the policy maintain that it is a necessary step to enhance national security. The list of countries subject to restrictions may be revised based on future security assessments. The lasting impact of Trump's announcement remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly reignited the debate surrounding immigration and national security in the United States.