Fact Check: "The US has previously barred entry for citizens from 12 countries."
What We Know
The claim that the United States has barred entry for citizens from 12 countries is accurate. In June 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation that restricted entry for nationals from twelve specific countries due to national security concerns. The countries identified were Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. This action was justified based on assessments that these countries posed a high risk regarding terrorism and inadequate screening and vetting processes (Fact Sheet, Reuters).
Additionally, the proclamation included partial restrictions for nationals from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela (BBC). The Supreme Court upheld the authority of the President to impose such restrictions under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Fact Sheet).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple credible sources confirm the existence of the travel ban affecting citizens from twelve countries. The proclamation was widely reported by major news outlets, including the BBC and Reuters, which detailed the rationale behind the restrictions, emphasizing national security and the need for improved vetting processes (BBC, Reuters).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable. The Fact Sheet from the White House provides an official account of the proclamation, while the BBC and Reuters articles offer independent reporting on the implications and context of the travel ban. The Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. Hawaii further legitimizes the President's actions, confirming the legal framework that allows such entry restrictions (Fact Sheet).
While there may be differing opinions on the effectiveness and morality of such a ban, the factual basis of the claim—that the U.S. has barred entry for citizens from twelve countries—is supported by substantial evidence from credible sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. has previously barred entry for citizens from twelve countries is true, as it is substantiated by official proclamations and independent news reports. The travel ban was enacted under the justification of national security, and the list of affected countries is explicitly documented in the proclamation signed by President Trump.
Sources
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restricts the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
- Why has Trump banned travel from these 12 countries?
- Trump reinstates US travel ban, bars citizens of 12 countries
