WASHINGTON, D.C. — CAIR Action strongly condemns the Trump administration’s latest executive proclamation banning or restricting entry to the United States from 19 countries, most of which are Muslim-majority, African, or Black-majority nations. This deeply discriminatory policy revives and expands Trump’s infamous “Muslim Ban,” weaponizing immigration policy to advance xenophobia and division.
The travel ban now fully blocks immigration and travel from the following 12 countries:
Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
It also imposes partial restrictions on individuals from:
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
“This ban is not about safety — it’s about scapegoating Black, Muslim, and immigrant communities,” said Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of CAIR Action who legally challenged the first Muslim Ban in court . “It’s a sweeping, ideologically driven attack on some of the world’s most vulnerable populations — many fleeing war, persecution, or humanitarian disaster. Banning them from even seeking refuge in the U.S. is both morally indefensible and strategically reckless.”
CAIR Action warns that this latest ban will:
- Separate families indefinitely
- Block students and medical patients
- Undermine U.S. global credibility
- Escalate humanitarian crises
- Set dangerous precedent for unchecked executive power
The executive order was signed by President Trump just months into his second term and immediately drew criticism from civil rights groups, lawmakers, and international human rights organizations. Many of the targeted countries are experiencing extreme conflict, economic collapse, or repressive regimes — conditions that already drive mass displacement and suffering.
CAIR Action urges Congress to take immediate action by passing legislation that prohibits nationality-based bans and reinforces that U.S. immigration policy must be grounded in equity, evidence, and human rights — not fear and bigotry.
“CAIR Action will continue to fight alongside impacted communities to end this discriminatory policy and ensure that no one is denied dignity based on their passport, religion, or race,” said Elkarra. “We will not be silent. We will organize and demand a country that welcomes — not bans — people in need.”
-END-
CONTACT:
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, belkarra@cairaction.org
CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org
