Fear Spreads Among Muslim Americans as Trump Travel Ban Looms

The Trump administration is considering imposing travel restrictions on citizens from over 40 countries, raising anxiety among Muslim Americans, USA Today reported. A leaked draft proposal indicates potential prohibitions, but the White House has yet to finalize the policy.

Advocates report a climate of fear within the American Muslim community, exacerbated by recent detentions of college students from Muslim-majority countries. Robert McCaw of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) noted that U.S. citizens are also wary of traveling abroad, fearing they might be barred from returning.

Many Muslim organizations are receiving inquiries from members concerned about the administration’s immigration policies. Some individuals have postponed weddings abroad, while others express paranoia about sharing their experiences. Haris Tarin from the Muslim Public Affairs Council highlighted unprecedented trepidation, especially following the arrests of students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.

The anticipated restrictions echo previous travel bans from 2017, which faced numerous lawsuits. The current proposal may be broader, including travelers from non-Muslim countries like Cuba and Bhutan. CAIR has advised Muslim Americans on precautions when traveling, emphasizing that constitutional protections do not extend outside the U.S. and recommending consultation with immigration attorneys before any travel.