US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation banning citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States.
The ban, which affects ten African countries, cited national security concerns as the reason behind the development.
The measure will take effect immediately on Monday.
According to a statement released by the White House on Wednesday, the countries targeted by the ban were deemed to have inadequate screening and vetting procedures and were identified as posing a significant security risk to the US.
The countries affected by the proclamation include Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, and Yemen.
“This action is part of the President’s commitment to safeguarding the United States from foreign terrorist threats and other national security and public safety risks,” the statement read.
Additionally, the proclamation “partially restricts and limits” the entry of nationals from seven countries “who also pose a high level of risk” to the US. The affected countries are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
However, the White House clarified that the proclamation makes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, individuals with valid visas, and certain visa categories
