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EXPERT Q&A

President Trump’s much-anticipated travel restriction goes into effect today, representing a major transformation in U.S. immigration policy. University of Michigan authority Jonathan Hanson, a public policy lecturer at the Ford School, noted that the ramifications of this divisive measure will adversely affect numerous sectors.

How astonished were you by Trump’s action, particularly considering his efforts to allow in white South Africans while the travel restriction impacts nations predominantly comprising black and brown populations?

There’s nothing particularly shocking about this. This travel restriction has been in development since January 20, when Trump signed an executive order directing security and intelligence agencies to pinpoint nations considered “lacking” in their ability to provide information for vetting individuals seeking entry to the United States.

The preferential treatment afforded to white South Africans (“Afrikaners”) in granting them refugee status is notable, however, especially since Trump has generally suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and revoked the Temporary Protected Status for refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and Venezuela.

How does this travel restriction measure up against similar actions taken by prior administrations? What insights can be drawn from those situations?

The initial Trump administration required three attempts to establish a travel ban that would withstand judicial examination. These preliminary efforts targeted seven majority-Muslim nations and faced legal challenges, especially since Trump himself had called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S.” The most recent travel restriction incorporates lessons from the third attempt, which prevailed with a 5-4 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, and is designed to sidestep legal challenges. The collection of impacted nations is more varied, and specific criteria and exceptions are clarified within the order.

What repercussions will this have on academic institutions due to the prohibition of student visas from these nations?

The directive halts the approval of student visas for individuals from 19 nations. In the academic year 2023-2024, as reported by the Washington Post, nearly 25,000 students from these nations enrolled in American colleges and universities. Although this represents only a small segment of the more than 1 million international students studying in the U.S., the travel ban is merely one of many measures influencing the ability of international students globally to secure student visas, leading many to opt for universities in other countries amidst all the uncertainty and anxiety being cultivated. The repercussions of these policies could be extensive.

What possible economic repercussions could this travel restriction have, particularly in areas like tourism, education, and industry?

The U.S. higher education system has been one of our most thriving export sectors, contributing $50 billion to our current account balance. The travel ban adds to other moves by the administration that are likely to limit or deter international students from coming to the U.S., negatively affecting our trade balance. Furthermore, reductions in funding for scientific research will harm universities and impede our capacity to innovate new technologies vital for future economic growth. Undoubtedly, these policies will adversely affect our economy.

International visits to the United States are already on the decline, with data from the Department of Commerce illustrating a 14% drop in international arrivals this past March compared to the previous year. The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts a decline in tourism revenue exceeding $12 billion this year. All of this predates the announcement of the travel ban, impacting around 125,000 prospective travelers, and it will only reinforce the notion that foreign visitors are unwelcome here.

What is the general reaction of the American populace toward travel restrictions of this sort, and does it significantly differ along political lines?

Polls during Trump’s inaugural term initially indicated a slim majority endorsing his first travel ban, with a pronounced divide along party lines, yet when the courts invalidated the first ban, approximately half of Americans believed Trump should simply move forward. Polling data on this new ban will probably be available soon.

What logistical and administrative hurdles might the government encounter in effectively enforcing the travel ban?

The implementation process is relatively straightforward at official entry points. Individuals will be denied entry into the country if arriving with a passport from the affected nations unless they fulfill the criteria for an exception. The majority of visa types will no longer be issued for forthcoming travel. Airlines will also play a crucial role; they typically will not permit passengers to board a flight if their passport is from a nation subject to the ban.

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