MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Feelings were mixed at Miami International Airport Monday as President Donald Trump’s new ban on travel to the U.S. by citizens from 12 mainly African and Middle Eastern countries took effect.

Leer en español

Supporters told Local 10 News the ban will strengthen national security, but others worry it’s creating more confusion as immigration policies continue to evolve.

The new proclamation, which Trump signed last week, applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also imposes heightened restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the U.S. and don’t hold a valid visa.

Trump’s rationale is centered around safety, with him citing a failure of traveler vetting and security in those countries.

“National security is a big concern for us — for all Americans — it should be,” one traveler at MIA told Local 10 News.

“I’m going to have a grandchild here in Miami in August — I want to come help my daughter,” one woman said.

“This is probably the last time we’re going to sit next to our own father,” Alex Labori, whose elderly father lives in Venezuela, said.

Labori was grappling with his father’s departure as the 86-year-old cannot be flying back and forth to the U.S. any longer.

“I’m not angry,” Labori said. “It’s just a matter of just accepting the fact that this will be the last time we see our father, you know. Anger will probably come down the road.”

The new ban does not revoke visas previously issued to people from countries on the list, according to guidance issued Friday to all U.S. diplomatic missions. However, unless an applicant meets narrow criteria for an exemption to the ban, his or her application will be rejected starting Monday. Travelers with previously issued visas should still be able to enter the U.S. even after the ban takes effect.