Breaking News: Trump Bans Entry to the US for Citizens of 12 Countries

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning entry into the country for citizens of 12 states, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, the Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. The restrictions take effect on June 9. Additionally, partial restrictions have been introduced for citizens of seven more countries, such as Cuba, Venezuela, Laos, and Turkmenistan.

Contrary to rumors and expectations, Russia and Belarus are not included in these lists.

The official reason given for the ban is national security concerns and the fight against terrorism. The consequences of this decision will likely be felt, among others, by international students and educational institutions in the US.

Impact on International Education

The new restrictions have raised concerns among US educational institutions. Many universities, including Yale, have warned their international students about potential difficulties returning to the country and recommended avoiding travel abroad.

According to ICEF Monitor, previous entry restrictions in 2017 led to a decrease in the number of foreign students in the US: by 2.2% at the undergraduate level and by 5.5% at the graduate level. The new measures are expected to strengthen this trend, especially among students from countries with a complete entry ban.

Consequences for the Economy and Innovation

International students contribute significantly to the US economy. According to the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA), in the 2015–2016 academic year, they contributed $32.8 billion to the economy and supported the creation of 400,000 jobs. Moreover, many innovations, including the invention of the USB, were developed by graduates of American universities who came on student visas.

Entry restrictions may lead to a decrease in the number of foreign students, as was already observed after similar bans in 2017. At that time, the number of foreign students dropped by 2.2% in undergraduate programs and 5.5% in graduate programs.

What specific consequences will Trump’s new executive order bring? Could these measures undermine the country’s long-term interests in science, economy, and culture? Time will tell. Meanwhile, we keep our finger on the pulse — don’t miss new materials on ED-EX.com.