President Donald Trump’s new travel ban, targeting citizens from 12 countries – mainly in Africa and the Middle East – officially took effect at 0:00 on June 9, Eastern time. The new travel ban signed by Donald Trump last week was officially implemented at 0:00 on June 9 (Eastern time). Accordingly, citizens from 12 countries will be completely banned from entering the US, including: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition, citizens from 7 other countries – including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – are also partially restricted in entering.
Unlike the first ban in 2017, which targeted seven Muslim-majority countries and was criticized as unconstitutional, this one is broader in scope. Legal experts say they believe the new ban is likely to survive legal challenges.
The guidance, issued to all US diplomatic missions on June 6, states that the ban does not cancel visas previously issued to citizens of the countries on the list. However, new visa applications will be denied starting June 9 if they do not qualify for a specific exemption. Those who already have valid visas will still be able to enter the US after the ban takes effect.
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The US State Department has directed all its overseas missions and consulates to resume processing visa applications for F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors, especially those related to Harvard University. The move to restore visas for Harvard students comes after Federal Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston issued a temporary order blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order banning foreign students from entering the country to study at the prestigious Ivy League school.
In a June 6 telegram signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to U.S. missions abroad and consular posts, the State Department cited the judge’s decision and said the new order was “consistent” with it.
Despite the loosening of visa policies, the State Department said it would maintain strict security screening procedures, including social media checks and a review of applicants’ online activity.
The restrictions have left many international students, especially from China, India and the Middle East, at risk of not being able to enroll in their courses on time. Several universities in Europe and Canada have expressed their willingness to support affected students.
Harvard University currently has more than 25% of its students from abroad.