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Rep. Jayapal slams Trump’s expanded US travel ban
She called it a continuation of the president’s earlier “Muslim ban” and warned of its domestic and global consequences.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 05, Jun 2025
- 14:20 EDT
- 56
Pramila Jayapal and Donald Trump / File Photo/ Wikipedia
Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump’s newly announced travel ban, labeling it a discriminatory policy that undermines American values and poses risks to the U.S. economy and national security.
The executive order, signed on June 4, imposes full entry bans on nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
It also partially restricts travel from seven other nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The administration has cited national security concerns and difficulties in vetting migrants from these countries as justification for the bans.
Also Read: Trump reinstates US travel ban, bars citizens of 12 countries
“There are a myriad of reasons that people come to the United States, from travel and tourism to fleeing violent and dangerous situations,” Jayapal said in a statement. “This ban, expanded from Trump’s Muslim ban in his first term, will only further isolate us on the world stage.”
Read my full statement on Trump's dangerous Travel Ban 2.0. pic.twitter.com/6unqAp3jSD
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 5, 2025
Jayapal, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, warned that the policy sets a “dangerous precedent” by targeting people based on their country of origin due to political disagreements with foreign governments.
“This discriminatory policy, which limits legal immigration, not only flies in the face of what our country is supposed to stand for, it will be harmful to our economy and our communities that rely on the contributions of people who come to America from this wide range of countries,” she said.
Jayapal particularly condemned the inclusion of countries like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan—where U.S. military engagement has placed many civilians at risk and dependent on humanitarian protection.
Jayapal, a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, is a cosponsor of the NO BAN Act, which seeks to prohibit discriminatory travel bans. She is also the lead sponsor of the Access to Counsel Act, introduced after the 2017 Muslim ban, to ensure that legal residents and other individuals detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can access legal and familial support when held for extended periods.
The travel ban has drawn criticism from international bodies and human rights advocates. The African Union, representing several affected nations, has urged the U.S. to adopt a more balanced and consultative approach.
The new restrictions are set to take effect on June 9, ahead of major global events scheduled to be hosted by the U.S., including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
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