• Trump’s plan to reinstate and expand the travel ban targets predominantly Muslim countries, raising concerns about family separations, refugee access and global reputation.
• The return of Stephen Miller, the architect of the original ban, signals a renewed push for far-right immigration policies and stricter border controls.
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s recent re-election, discussions have intensified regarding the potential reinstatement and expansion of the U.S. travel ban targeting certain countries. Originally implemented in 2017, the travel ban faced significant controversy and legal challenges before being rescinded by the Biden administration in 2021. Now, as Trump prepares to take office for a second term, questions are swirling about whether his approach will be any different from his first tenure, which was marked by unpredictability.
The initial travel ban, often referred to as the “Muslim Ban,” restricted entry into the United States for citizens from several predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Critics argued that the policy was discriminatory and undermined America’s values of inclusivity and freedom.
The rollout of the ban in 2017 was chaotic, with protests erupting across major U.S. airports and confusion among federal agencies about how to implement the restrictions. Legal battles followed, and while the Supreme Court ultimately upheld a revised version of the ban in 2018, the damage to the U.S.’s global reputation lingered.
Mohamed Husein Gaas, director of the Raad Peace Research Institute, noted the significant impact of these measures: “Many individuals recall the disruptive effects of the travel restrictions on families, businesses, and diplomatic relations.”
During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to reinstate the travel ban, suggesting it would be “even bigger than before.” In a speech at the IAC National Summit in Washington, he declared:
“We will seal our border and bring back the travel ban. Remember the famous travel ban? We didn’t take people from certain areas of the world.”
Adding to this concern is the fact that Trump, now serving his second and final term, faces no pressure to seek reelection. Without the constraints of another campaign or the need to adhere to party lines, Trump appears emboldened to push forward with policies that fulfill his vision, regardless of their divisiveness or disruption. This newfound political freedom has sparked fears that his administration will double down on implementing divisive and disruptive policies, focusing heavily on advancing far-right, hawkish agendas such as escalating tensions with Iran, unwavering support for Israel, and other polarizing initiatives without regard for calculated or broadly accepted decisions.
“While some remain hopeful that lessons have been learned and such measures will not be reinstated, others are wary, viewing his potential return as a signal of renewed unpredictability in U.S.-Africa relations,” said Gaas.
Further fueling concerns is the reappointment of Stephen Miller, the chief architect of the original travel ban, to a prominent position in the new administration. Miller has been named Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, a role that does not require Senate confirmation. His return suggests a potential revival of the hardline immigration policies that characterized Trump’s first term.
The potential reinstatement of the travel ban could have profound effects on individuals from targeted nations. Families may face separation, students and professionals could encounter barriers to education and employment opportunities, and refugees seeking asylum might find themselves without safe harbor.
“If similar policy priorities resurface, countries that were previously affected could again find themselves under scrutiny,” Gaas added.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reflecting on the expanded travel ban during Trump’s first term, described it as “outrageous, un-American and threatening to our security, our values, and the rule of law.”
While the reinstatement of the travel ban is likely to appeal to Trump’s base, it risks alienating key international partners and exacerbating domestic divisions. Legal challenges are almost certain, with organizations like the ACLU already preparing to contest the policy.
As Trump prepares to return to the White House, the potential reinstatement and expansion of the travel ban lay emphasis on lingering tensions in U.S. immigration and national security policy. His approach, whether it demonstrates growth and maturity or continues the erratic governance of his past, will have significant implications for the United States and the global Muslim community.
