Former President Donald Trump has introduced a new travel ban affecting individuals from 12 countries, revisiting a controversial aspect of his administration's past. Unlike the initial 2017 ban, which garnered widespread protests and faced numerous legal battles due to its targeting of several Muslim-majority nations, this latest iteration seems to be crafted with lessons learned in mind.
According to experts, the new policy is more legally sound, featuring broader scope and clearly articulated exemptions. Christi Jackson, a specialist in immigration law, noted that previous ambiguities have been resolved, potentially positioning the ban for favorable treatment by the courts. Furthermore, while some nations previously targeted remain on the list, the current ban does not explicitly focus on Muslim-majority countries.
Barbara McQuade, a law professor and former US attorney, indicated this may enhance the ban's chances of approval if challenged. The countries under harsher restrictions include Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, with additional limits imposed on travelers from nations like Cuba and Venezuela. Trump attributed these measures to perceived security threats, despite many of the affected countries not being listed as state sponsors of terrorism by the US government.
The announcement also referenced a recent violent incident in Colorado involving an Egyptian national, although Egypt was not included among the countries affected by the latest ban. Concerns have been raised regarding the criteria used to determine overstaying visa rates, which could be grounds for future legal disputes.
Unlike its predecessor, which was scheduled for a short duration, the current travel ban has no specified endpoint and faces significant backlash from the nations involved. The Venezuelan government has labeled the measures as imperialistic, while Somalia seeks diplomatic discussions to resolve the issues raised by the ban.
Shabnam Lotfi, an immigration lawyer who had previously challenged the travel restrictions, warned that despite its problematic nature, overturning this new ban could prove difficult due to its clearer structure. She pointed out that various groups, including students and investors, may face hurdles in obtaining visas under these stringent rules, causing considerable disruption for those awaiting travel or employment in the U.S.
