Trump Travel Ban Takes Effect Across 12 Countries Including Haiti, Africa, Middle East

President Donald Trump's travel ban, effective for twelve countries including Haiti and several African and Middle Eastern nations, has sparked widespread concern and protests across the U.S., particularly among Haitian communities in places like Spring Valley, Boston, and Brooklyn. The administration justifies the ban on national security grounds and visa overstay risks, but many Haitians and local leaders criticize it as racist and harmful, fearing it will sever family ties, impede access to essential supplies, and destabilize immigrant communities. Demonstrations in Los Angeles against immigration crackdowns have led to deployment of over 2,000 National Guard members, prompting backlash from California officials who claim the federal response is illegal and exacerbates fear. Some affected countries, like Chad, have retaliated by suspending visas to U.S. citizens, denouncing the U.S. ban as unfair and ignoring their counterterrorism efforts. Despite some exceptions in the ban, Haitian community leaders emphasize the devastating impact on their ability to travel, conduct business, and maintain family connections, with uncertainty about when or if the ban will end. Local representatives are seeking meetings with federal officials to advocate for lifting the ban on Haiti, highlighting the growing political and social tensions surrounding the policy.