President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation that reinstates a travel ban affecting visitors from a dozen countries. The ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

In addition to the outright ban, there will be increased restrictions on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Trump stated, "I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people" in his announcement.

This new travel ban is a continuation of policies from Trump's first term. In January 2017, he issued an executive order that barred entry to the U.S. for citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. That order led to widespread confusion and chaos, with travelers being denied boarding on flights or detained upon arrival in the U.S.

The current list of banned countries stems from a January 20 executive order requiring the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security, along with the Director of National Intelligence, to assess which countries posed a national security risk based on their "hostile attitudes" toward the U.S.

Critics have pointed out that ten of the nineteen countries affected by the bans and restrictions are in Africa, with many being majority Black African nations. Some of these countries, such as Sierra Leone, Togo, and Equatorial Guinea, are not typically associated with significant threats to the West.

During the initial travel ban in 2017, many individuals, including students, faculty, businesspeople, and tourists, faced significant hurdles. The order, often referred to as the "Muslim ban," underwent several revisions amid legal challenges, ultimately resulting in a version that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.

Trump and his administration have defended the travel ban on national security grounds, asserting that it is not based on anti-Muslim bias. However, Trump had previously called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. during his campaign for the presidency.

As the new ban approaches, concerns about the implications for international travel to the U.S. are rising, with many travelers reconsidering their plans.