Trump bans citizens of 12 countries from entering US
The US President, Donald Trump has signed a ban on travel to the US for citizens from 12 countries in a bid to "protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors"
The US President, Donald Trump has signed a ban on travel to the US for citizens from 12 countries in a bid to "protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors"
There are an additional seven countries whose citizens face partial travel restrictions - here's everything we know so far, plus who's exempted
"We don't want them," Trump said as he announced the ban, while also citing the Colorado attack on Sunday
The travel ban, which comes into effect on Monday, June 9, fulfils a promise Trump made during his 2024 election campaign, and is likely to draw swift legal challenges
On Wednesday, Trump also suspended foreign students joining Harvard University for six months, and ordered an investigation into Joe Biden's time at the White House
Somalia - branded by Donald Trump as a "terrorist safe haven" - is one of the 12 countries on the US travel blacklist.
Speaking to the BBC Somali Service, these two residents of the capital, Mogadishu, expressed their anger over the latest move by the US president.
"I would tell Trump to stop discriminating against Somalis. Somalis are part of the world; it is a recognised country and well-known in the world," says Abdullahi Roble Ahmed
"It is beautiful that they can travel together, interact with each other - so it is noticeable that the economic, security, and diplomatic consequences of this [decision] are a burden for us".
Kasim also voices hope that Trump will "review the file on Somalia" and even visit the East African nation.
Yesterday's proclamation of the new travel ban took place behind closed doors, away from the prying eyes and questions of the media.
While the announcement on a Wednesday evening was not trailed by the White House in advance, this action is similar to the one Trump ultimately landed in his first term, after his initial efforts were blocked in federal court because they were deemed to be discriminatory.
Because of this, opponents may find it difficult to block the move with lawsuits the way they have with some of Trump’s other policies in recent months. It also may explain why the shock and outcry from other nations is more muted this time around. A travel ban, in some form, was largely expected after Trump secured the presidency for another term last November.
The White House is already framing the ban as part of its larger America First immigration policy – one that officials say makes the safety and security of the nation a top priority. Critics will disagree, and note the arbitrary and shifting nature of the specific justifications for the bans, but Trump’s immigration policies remain popular for many, including his political base.
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