A new report highlights the significant economic and humanitarian impacts of the Trump administration’s expanded travel ban, which affects immigration from 19 countries.
WASHINGTON, DC, August 6 — A report released today by the American Immigration Council outlines the extensive economic and humanitarian consequences of the Trump administration’s travel ban, which was expanded in June 2025 to restrict immigration from 19 countries. In 2022, nearly 300,000 individuals from these nations entered the United States, contributing approximately $715.6 million in taxes and filling essential roles in various sectors.
“Those affected by this travel ban are students, workers, and family members who pay taxes, support local economies, and fill jobs in industries facing massive shortages. We’re throwing all of that away, to the detriment of our communities and the U.S. economy,” stated Nan Wu, research director of the American Immigration Council.
According to 2023 data, of the 300,000 individuals from the countries impacted by the travel ban, 82 percent were employed, particularly in sectors already grappling with labor shortages, such as hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. The manufacturing sector alone is projected to face a shortfall of 1.9 million workers by 2033.
“The United States absolutely needs strong screening procedures to protect national security, but this travel ban isn’t how you do that. The Trump administration is trying to sell this policy as a security measure, but when you dig into the justifications, they don’t add up,” remarked Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council. “Many of the targeted countries had fewer than 500 visa overstays last year. This isn’t about keeping America safe; it’s about keeping certain people out.”
While the original travel ban enacted in 2017 prompted widespread public protests, the 2025 version has seen a more subdued response, attributed to its gradual implementation and expanded exemptions. However, the report emphasizes that the negative impacts remain significant.
“This quieter version of the ban is deeply harmful,” Robbins added. “It separates families, blocks international talent, and hurts communities across the country. The absence of airport protests doesn’t mean the harm isn’t real; it’s just happening more quietly and more bureaucratically.”
Reports suggest that the administration is contemplating the addition of 36 more countries to the travel ban. If implemented, this could prevent tens of thousands of additional individuals from entering the United States, further exacerbating the economic, social, and diplomatic repercussions.
The countries currently affected by the travel ban include:
All travel banned:
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Visas sharply restricted:
Venezuela, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan.
This report underscores the far-reaching implications of the travel ban, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of policies that impact both the economy and the lives of individuals seeking opportunities in the United States.
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