Travel restrictions: Trump’s new entry lock for twelve states comes into force

The entry lock for nationals from twelve countries announced a few days ago by US President Donald Trump came into force. According to a message from the White House, the regulation has been in place since Monday morning (00:01 p.m. local time and 6:01 a.m. CEST).

The entry ban announced last Wednesday applies to people from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. People from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – should only be allowed to enter a limited extent.

Human rights organizations have heavily criticized the entry lock. Amnesty International, for example, spoke on platform X of a “discriminatory, racist and simply cruel” measure.

The regulation also provides for exceptions: for people with a permanent residence permit for the USA (“GreenCard”), double nationals with a pass of a non-affected country or certain family members of US citizens. Diplomats, participants of international sporting events as well as recognized refugees and Afghan local forces with a special visa are also excluded.

Memory of “Muslim Ban” from Trump’s first term

In his first term (2017–2021), Trump had issued a controversial ban on entry. At that time, the so -called “Muslim Ban” prohibited refugees and citizens of several mostly Muslim countries to enter the United States – including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Iraq was later deleted by the list.

At that time, the measure came into force without warning and ensured chaotic conditions at international airports. People with valid residence permits were initially held or sent back. The “Muslim Ban” stressed relationships with the countries concerned, separated families and fell many people in uncertainty. At the same time, a broad counter -movement quickly formed. After massive protests and legal disputes, the Trump government revised the rules.