Trump Order Blocks Travel from Seven Nations on New Year's Day

A new immigration restriction, ordered by President Donald Trump, takes effect January 1. It will bar nearly all travelers from seven countries from entering the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued the updated guidance. Starting Thursday, nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Chad, and North Korea will not be allowed to travel to the U.S. The policy expands the administration's earlier travel bans. It adds three new countries: Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela. Certain government officials from Venezuela are specifically targeted. The restrictions vary by nation. They are based on the U.S. government's assessment of each country's security standards and information-sharing. The announcement comes just days before the ban is set to begin. It is expected to create immediate confusion for airlines and travelers. Legal challenges are likely to follow.