Trump’s new travel ban to take effect Monday, Virginia aid organizations weigh in

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — New travel restrictions put in place by President Donald Trump have concerned Virginia-based organizations that focus on reunifying and resettling immigrants and refugees.

Trump announced the new travel ban on Wednesday, June 4, justifying the move as necessary in the wake of a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the suspect in the attack, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, overstayed his visa and has remained in the U.S. since 2022.

"The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme danger posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas," Trump said on Wednesday.

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Starting on Monday, June 8, 12 countries will face full travel restrictions for U.S. entry and seven others will face partial restrictions.

Countries facing full travel restrictions:

• Afghanistan
• Myanmar
• Chad
• The Republic of Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

Countries facing partial travel restrictions:

• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela

The restrictions are placing a new wave of uncertainty on multiple humanitarian aid organizations that assist immigrants, refugees and families both abroad and in the Central Virginia community.

Justin Gandy, executive director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Virginia told 8News that many of the countries listed in the ban are ones his nonprofit serves.

The Virginia branch of the IRC provides various services, including helping arriving refugees adjust and assisting them in applying for permanent residence after one year.

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For immigrants in the community, Gandy explained that the IRC helps to prepare for naturalization after five years of residency.

Family reunification petitions for families who have been separated through displacement and resettlement processes are also provided -- but, with new restrictions, Gandy said this process is threatened.

"At a global level, it's very challenging for many reasons -- and that translates all the way down to the local level here in Richmond," Gandy said. "With these policies ... we feel that they are hurtful, and they leave many people vulnerable and families separated."

Gandy added that the IRC's reunification and resettlement efforts were already weakened earlier in the year when the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was suspended through an executive order signed by Trump on his first day in office.

"We had siblings and parents whose loved one[s] had a ticket booked to come to Richmond -- who had been waiting months, if not years, to finally get to safety and to begin rebuilding their lives," Gandy said. "All of a sudden, that travel was no longer welcomed."

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Though travel restrictions will soon take effect, Gandy said the IRC will continue to advocate for a humane and just immigration policy.

Other nonprofit organizations providing social service support to immigrant and refugee individuals have weighed in on the matter.

This includes Commonwealth Catholic Charities, which provided 8News with the following statement:

"We are still working to understand the full impact this ban will have on CCC, our programs, and those we serve. But we are saddened by the news.

The United States is a country of immigrants. Our legacy is one of welcoming those seeking safety and shelter. Refugees and immigrants are vital to the strength of our communities—they enrich our culture and make invaluable contributions to our economy.

At CCC, we remain committed to standing with our immigrant and refugee neighbors and to continuing our work in building a more inclusive and compassionate community." Katie Dillon, Communications Manager, Commonwealth Catholic Charities

ReEstablish Richmond also gave 8News a statement, which reads:

"At ReEstablish Richmond, we have weathered many waves of uncertainty and challenges alongside the refugee and immigrant communities we serve. The majority of our clients come from countries recently named in the new travel restrictions. These families who are already resettled here are feeling the ripple effects in real time. They need our solidarity, now more than ever. 

In moments like this, our role is clear: to show up for our neighbors with steady, compassionate support. That’s why we’ve launched the Prepare for Tomorrow Fund, a bold campaign to raise $75,000 by World Refugee Day, June 20. This fund will ensure that—no matter what challenges lie ahead—we are ready to respond when our community needs us most." Kate Ayers, Executive Director, ReEstablish Richmond