The Travel Bans Chilling Impact

June 10, 2025

President Trump has reinstated a travel ban prohibiting citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, effective June 9, 2025. The ban targets seven African nations, one Caribbean nation (Haiti), and four other countries, with Congressman Greg Meeks describing it as "discriminatory" and "self-defeating. " In addition, Trump signed a separate ban on international students attending Harvard University, citing concerns about antisemitism, discrimination issues, China's influence, and "woke ideology.

Who is affected

Citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen
Afghan allies who supported U.S. troops and were awaiting visas
International students at Harvard University (who make up a quarter of Harvard's student population)
The broader community of over 1 million international students in the United States
U.S. universities that host international students, such as UNC Charlotte with 2,000 international students
The U.S. economy, which receives $50 billion annually from international students

What action is being taken

President Trump is reinstating a travel ban on citizens from 12 specific countries
Trump is implementing a separate ban on international students attending Harvard University
The Trump administration is freezing student visa processing
Congressman Greg Meeks and other legislators are speaking out against the travel bans

Why it matters

The ban is characterized as discriminatory and could damage diplomatic relations with affected countries
It may betray Afghan allies who supported U.S. troops during the twenty-year war
The restrictions could create what Rep. Meeks calls a "self-inflicted brain drain"
The bans will impact commerce with the affected nations
International students contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy annually
The measures could undermine U.S. influence and soft power globally

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint