Trump Signs New Travel Ban Against 12 Countries, Including Somalia and Sudan
Somali and Sudanese refugees in Kenya will face a difficult time requesting asylum in the United States.
This comes after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation prohibiting persons from 12 nations from entering the United States.
The declaration, issued on Wednesday, June 4, comes as the United States continues to seek ways to stem what it calls “illegal” migration to the land of dreams.
The Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Chad are all barred from traveling.
Additionally, the policy limits entrance to some extent for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
OVERNIGHT: Trump announces travel ban on 7 African countries that “pose a very high risk” to the US, partial restrictions on 3 more.
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 5, 2025
FULL BAN
Somalia 🇸🇴
Sudan 🇸🇩
Chad 🇹🇩
Eritrea 🇪🇷
Libya 🇱🇾
Congo (Brazzaville) 🇨🇬
Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
PARTIAL
Burundi 🇧🇮
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
Togo 🇹🇬 pic.twitter.com/YdkhksFLkM
“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X.
It is unclear how the prohibition will affect persons from certain nations who live in other states, such as the refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp.
However, this ban represents a setback for many people attempting to flee war-torn countries.
For example, in 2023, approximately 803 Somalis requested for refuge in the United States.
BREAKING: President Trump releases video statement following his decision to ban entry into the United States from 12 countries.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 5, 2025
Seven other countries have partial restrictions.
The 12 countries with full travel restrictions are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the… pic.twitter.com/LywxQ7XPzi
Of them, around 7.3 percent achieved positive results, while 127 applications were declined, and the remainder were still awaiting conclusions.
This figure represents only a fraction of the more than 370,000 Somali refugees living in Kenya.
Kenya is not yet off the hook, as Trump keeps on revising the list and adding additional countries.
Some US senators have been outspoken against Kenya, citing the country’s expanding ties with China as a source of concern.
Senator Jim Risch, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has led the charge for a reconsideration of Kenya-US relations.
“Just last month, President Ruto declared that Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, and China are co-architects of ‘a new world order’. That’s not just alignment to China; it’s allegiance,” the statement read in part.
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“I submit for the record the text of that speech. Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error,” the statement continued.
“It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China.”
The declaration becomes effective on June 9, 2025. Visas issued prior to that date will remain valid, according to Trump’s directive.
The prohibition will not affect Olympic or World Cup teams, or individuals who are lawful permanent residents of the United States.
Trump Signs New Travel Ban Against 12 Countries, Including Somalia and Sudan
