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In a significant policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation that will restrict travel from nationals of 12 countries starting from June 9. The affected countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, nationals from another seven countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—will face partial travel restrictions.

The reaction from the international community has been swift. Chad's President, Mahamat Déby, has instructed his government to reciprocate by suspending visa issuance to U.S. citizens, emphasizing Chad's "dignity and pride" despite lacking substantial economic resources.

Contrarily, Somalia has taken a more collaborative approach. The Somali ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan Abdi, expressed the nation's willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States to resolve security concerns and maintain their longstanding relationship.

The African Union, representing 55 African nations, called upon the U.S. to undertake a "constructive dialogue" with the affected countries. The Union urged the U.S. to balance its sovereign right to protect its borders with the need for evidence-based and fair measures. They emphasized the potential negative impacts of such travel bans and offered to support efforts to resolve concerns and enhance cooperation.

Venezuela, which is among the countries facing partial restrictions, expressed strong criticism. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello cautioned Venezuelans in the U.S., labeling the country as a significant risk due to what he described as the U.S. government's supremacist tendencies and unjust persecution of Venezuelans. He pointed out that, during his second term, Trump deported several Venezuelans alleged to be gang members to El Salvador.

Trump's proclamation states that the list of restricted countries will be re-evaluated in three months and subsequently every six months. The President stressed that the restrictions are subject to change based on whether the listed countries make material improvements, with the possibility of new countries being added as new threats emerge.

In his address, Trump cited security risks and exploitation of the U.S. visa system by these countries, as well as concerns over nationals overstaying their visas, as key reasons for the travel ban. He concluded that the U.S. cannot allow migration from countries where reliable and safe vetting is not possible.