The United States has long been a beacon of hope for refugees, asylum seekers, and families pursuing safety and opportunity. But these expanded bans undermine that legacy and erode the values of fairness, justice, and religious freedom that define us.

What’s Happening Now

On January 1, 2026, an expanded travel and immigration ban took effect, significantly broadening restrictions first introduced in June 2025. This policy:

Fully bans entry to the U.S. (for most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas) for citizens of: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma/Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Individuals with travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. Note: These bans apply to most visas, including visitor, student, and immigrant visas.

Partially restricts entry (nonimmigrant and some immigrant visas suspended) for citizens of: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
(Plus ongoing bans on immigrant visas for Turkmenistan.)

These policies affect both travel and the ability to seek refuge, study, work, or reunite with family in the United States.

What Was the Original “Muslim Ban”?

On January 27, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring entry to citizens of several majority-Muslim countries and halting refugee admissions, a policy widely condemned as discriminatory and rooted in Islamophobia. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately upheld a later version of the ban despite legal challenges that argued it violated religious freedom and equal protection.

Why This Matters Now

These current bans mirror the prejudicial logic of the original Muslim Ban by targeting people based on national origin and perceived “risk,” rather than individualized assessments of threat. The result is families separated, futures put on hold, and communities stigmatized across the world, undermining the United States’ moral authority and core constitutional values.

Take Action by Supporting the NO BAN Act

The NO BAN Act is critical legislation that would:

✔️ Limit presidential power to impose sweeping travel bans without clear, evidence-based justification
✔️ Prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion or nationality in immigration policy
✔️ Require transparency and congressional oversight for any travel restrictions

By taking action now and urging your members of Congress to support and pass the NO BAN Act, you help protect families, defend constitutional rights, and reaffirm America’s commitment to justice and equality.