The new executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which bans entry to the United States for citizens from 12 countries, has sparked a wave of criticism from Democratic leaders and civil rights organizations. The measure has been described as “discriminatory,” “racist,” and a “dangerous distraction” from other urgent issues.
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Democratic representative Pramila Jayapal denounced the order as an attempt to revive the travel ban on majority-Muslim countries imposed during Trump’s first term. “It is a alarming setback that undermines the fundamental values of inclusion and justice,” she stated. Congressman Adam Schiff, on the other hand, assured that the action “does not enhance national security, but rather sows division and hatred.”
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The executive order temporarily prohibits the entry of citizens from countries such as Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, and Haiti, among others, citing reasons of national security and terrorist threats. However, critics argue that the measure lacks empirical basis and is more of a response to an ideological agenda rather than a real analysis of risks.
Organizations such as Amnesty International and the Council on American-Islamic Relations also rejected the decision, pointing out that this policy “criminalizes entire populations” and promotes xenophobia under the pretext of protecting the country.
Furthermore, the controversy escalated with an additional proclamation by Trump suspending the issuance of visas to international students wishing to attend Harvard University, an action that the institution described as a “political retaliation” and a violation of academic freedom and expression.
The international community and economic sectors have expressed concern about the impact that this ban will have on the image of the United States in the world, as well as on industries that depend on immigration and cultural diversity.
Meanwhile, analysts point out that these measures could be part of a strategy to divert public attention from the controversial tax and spending plan proposed by Trump, which has been heavily criticized for projecting a $2.4 trillion increase in the deficit and leaving millions of citizens without healthcare coverage, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
The new travel ban thus becomes a critical point of political confrontation in the current electoral scenario, reigniting debates about identity, security, and the values that define the nation.