Trump travel ban Ebola: US blocks returning residents, redirects to Kenya

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Trump travel ban Ebola response sparks controversy

The Trump administration announced Friday that its travel restrictions now extend to lawful permanent residents who have set foot in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days. Citizens and green‑card holders exposed to the rapidly spreading Ebola strain will be barred from entering the United States and, officials say, redirected to quarantine facilities in Kenya. The move builds on an existing ban that already blocks non‑U.S. passport holders with similar travel histories. Health officials warn that the outbreak in the DRC has surged to ↓ 1,018 cases (906 suspected, 112 confirmed) and ↓ 234 deaths (223 suspected, 11 confirmed) as of May 24, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO labels the figures as a severe undercount and urges a coordinated international response. Critics argue the United States is erecting a wall around itself, even to its own residents, while neighboring nations like Uganda report only seven cases and one fatality and South Sudan has none.

“Turning away our own people in a health crisis is a dangerous precedent,” said a senior health‑policy analyst.

The policy has drawn sharp rebuke from human‑rights groups and prompted calls for a more transparent, science‑driven approach, as reported by Reuters.

Intel provided by Eleanor Cross (Chief Washington Correspondent).