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I Studied the First Trump Travel Bans for Two Years: I’m Still Confused

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Baton Rouge, LA, USA — For two years, I studied the Trump administration’s travel bans from his first term, which primarily targeted nations with significant Muslim populations and drew widespread criticism for their discriminatory appearance. As someone with an Iranian partner directly affected by these bans, I had a deeply personal connection to the issue. I initially believed we would not see another round of such policies, as I doubted Trump would win re-election. However, it appears this may be in Trump’s forthcoming plans.  

I dedicated countless nights to analyzing the travel bans from every angle: their stated purpose, the extent of multi-agency oversight, judicial injunctions, political advantages and drawbacks, safety considerations, public perception, and responses from citizens, diplomats, geopolitical experts, and the Department of Homeland Security. My research culminated in an article called, “How Iranians Are Barred From the West Through Reactive Visa Policies Fueled by Politics.”

It is unclear why Trump chose the specific countries he did for the bans, apart from possible personal or political animus. The decisions seemed to originate from a highly centralized process within the White House, with limited agency oversight. While the bans ostensibly aimed to punish or leverage “rogue” nations, they largely restricted ordinary citizens rather than addressing root geopolitical issues. Paradoxically, treaties permitting nationals from these countries to work at intergovernmental organizations like the UN remained in effect, potentially preempting the bans and creating a legal conflict. I explored this further in an article called, “The Attorney’s Guidebook to Handling UN and OAS Visas: Understanding the U.S.’ Obligations in IGO Visa Issuance.”

Nationality-based discrimination in visa policies is widespread globally. Nationalities such as Nigerians, North Koreans, and Iranians have often been subject to blanket bans. While these measures appear discriminatory, they rarely provoke significant public outcry or demand for reform. In an article called, “Why the Ability to Migrate Matters in Issuing Visa Restrictions and Punishments: The North Korean Example,” I examined the inconsistency in how so-called “rogue” nations are treated. For instance, North Korea is among the most hostile states yet faces fewer travel bans than Syria, despite posing a similar geopolitical challenge. 

Another factor influencing visa restrictions is migratory pressure. Countries with high migration potential often face stricter policies, but this is not always consistent. Mexicans and Venezuelans, for example, have significant visa-free access to the Schengen Area, even though they are considered high-pressure migratory groups for the U.S. This inconsistency underscores the complex interplay of geopolitics and diplomacy in shaping these policies. 

Diplomatic failures likely played a role in Trump’s travel bans. Experts, including DHS officials, agree that nationality is not a reliable indicator of terrorist threats or security risks. Additionally, the principle of reciprocity—where unfair restrictions on other countries could lead to retaliatory measures against U.S. citizens and diplomats—may have been considered but did not prevent the administration from imposing broad and poorly justified bans. 

Ultimately, these bans appeared to be more about political optics than strategic policy. They likely served as a signal to Trump’s voter base, demonstrating a hardline stance against perceived adversaries. However, judicial oversight exposed their arbitrary and contradictory nature, further undermining their legitimacy. 

Looking forward, there is speculation about a potential second travel ban under Trump, should he regain office. If implemented, such a ban could aim to amplify the impact of sanctions or tariffs on targeted nations or address perceived loopholes in the travel system, such as labor exploitation, smuggling, or regulatory violations. A “pause” in travel might be framed as a security measure but would likely follow the same flawed principles as the original bans. 

If such policies are reintroduced, they would again tarnish the nation’s reputation, perpetuating a legacy of reactive and discriminatory governance. I cannot imagine the efficacy of a widespread ban outweighing justice and fairness. Instead, ordinary people may be caught in the crossfire unintentionally.


Media Contact

Contact Person: Nicolas Garon

Email: Nicolas.Garon@sulc.edu

Website:  https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=6192644

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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New memecoin Pengu Unleashed raise $1.5M in first day of presale

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Pengu Unleashed (PUNGU) has officially announced the successful launch of its cryptocurrency token, marking a game-changing entry into the meme coin market by raising an impressive $1.5 million on the first day of its presale.

What makes PUNGU stand out?

At its core, Pengu Unleashed is about more than just hype. The project integrates advanced Layer 2 rollup technology like zk-rollups and optimistic rollups to cut down gas fees and speed up transactions. This means users can trade, stake, and build on the platform with minimal costs, all while staying secure.

But that’s not all. PUNGU is also on a mission to do good, pledging $1 million to penguin habitat conservation and climate change initiatives.

It’s a win-win: contribute to a greener planet while riding the next big wave in crypto.

Pengu Unleashed presale gains momentum as staking goes live

The early interest in Pengu Unleashed is reflected in its presale performance. Launched this week, the presale has attracted over $1 million within the first 24 hours of going live.

The total raise now stands at almost $1.7 million.

Early investors can buy PUNGU tokens for $0.015 each during the current stage of the presale.

The Pengu Unleashed team accepts purchases in ETH and USDT.

PUNGU is already making moves, securing listings on Tier 2 exchange BitMart and a soon-to-be-revealed Tier 1 exchange. These partnerships will make it even easier for investors to jump in and trade.

Meanwhile, presale participants are already staking their tokens to earn rewards ahead of the official launch.

Where to buy and what’s next

A growing community

PUNGU is already attracting attention online, with its Telegram channel reaching 4000+ members in 72 hours. Early adopters are locking in their positions, staking tokens, and preparing for the next steps in the roadmap.

With strong early momentum and an eye toward innovation, PUNGU is positioning itself as a standout player in the meme coin space.

Why investors are paying attention

PUNGU isn’t just a token, it’s an entire platform designed for decentralized applications (DApps). Developers can build with Ethereum-compatible tools, while PUNGU holders gain governance rights to shape the ecosystem’s future.

A lead developer summed it up perfectly: “Memes are cultural artifacts, and Pengu Unleashed is building infrastructure to make them scalable and meaningful. By lowering the entry barrier for creators and developers, we’re enabling a new wave of decentralized creativity.”

However, its early presale success and positioning in the Pungu space make it a project that many investors are watching closely.

For more information, visit the website, X, and Telegram.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Kazakhstan to Showcase Its Potential as a Regional Academic Hub at the Bett Show for the First Time

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Kazakhstan to Present Its National Pavilion

For the first time in 40 years, Kazakhstan will present a national pavilion at one of the world’s largest international education exhibitions—the Bett Show. The event will take place from January 22 to 24, 2025, in London, UK.

What is the Bett Show?

The Bett Show (British Education Training and Technology Show) is a leading global event in the field of education. It brings together representatives from educational institutions, EdTech companies, universities, schools, and developers of educational solutions. Each year, the event attracts approximately 30,000 attendees from 130 countries, offering a platform to share experiences, present innovations, and discuss global educational trends.

Kazakhstan’s Role as an Academic Hub

The central theme of Kazakhstan’s pavilion will be the country’s development as a regional academic hub. Kazakhstan’s evolving educational ecosystem has sparked growing interest in its learning opportunities, with around 30,000 international students currently studying in the country.

Cooperation and New Programmes

In collaboration with leading foreign universities, Kazakhstan has introduced doctoral programmes and conducted extensive research initiatives. Large corporations are also supporting the introduction of artificial intelligence programs to enhance digital competencies.

‘Study in Kazakhstan’ Project

Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek will present the ‘Study in Kazakhstan’ project, aimed at reinforcing the country’s position as a regional academic hub. The establishment of campuses by leading British universities, such as Coventry University Kazakhstan, is expanding academic opportunities, enhancing the quality of education, and promoting the internationalization of higher education institutions.

“This is the first time Kazakhstan is participating in one of the world’s largest educational exhibitions, the Bett Show, with a national pavilion. It provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our country’s development as a regional academic hub. Today, about 30,000 foreign students study in Kazakhstan, and new educational programs are being implemented in collaboration with leading international universities. These achievements demonstrate the international recognition of Kazakhstan’s education system and its openness to the world,” said Sayasat Nurbek in his speech.

Pavilion Participants

The National Pavilion will feature six leading universities from Kazakhstan, along with branches of Coventry University Kazakhstan and Heriot-Watt University. The participants include:

  1. L.N. Gumilev Eurasian National University
  2. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
  3. Nazarbayev University
  4. East Kazakhstan Technical University named after D. Serikbayev
  5. Kazakh National Research Technical University named after K.I. Satpayev
  6. Atyrau Oil and Gas University named after Safi Utebayev

Additionally, Coventry University Kazakhstan, Heriot-Watt University in Kazakhstan, and JSC ‘Center for International Programs’ will participate, highlighting Kazakhstan’s active engagement in international educational dialogue.

Key Objectives of Participation

A primary objective of Kazakhstan’s participation will be to sign agreements with leading UK universities. These agreements will create new opportunities for academic and scientific cooperation, the adoption of modern digital tools, and the development of educational content.

Registration for the Exhibition:

Entry to the Bett Show is free for students. Registration is available on the official exhibition website: https://uk.bettshow.com/.

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Press Release

Hellobit Exchange : Breaks Bitcoin’s New High – Why Choosing an MSB-Certified Exchange is Your Wise Investment Decision

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January 22, 2025, New York – With Bitcoin once again surpassing the $100,000 mark, hitting new highs, the global cryptocurrency market is heating up once again. As a leading platform in this market, Hellobit Exchange continues to focus on safeguarding the interests of its investors. Backed by the professional MSB (Money Services Business) certification in the United States, Hellobit Exchange has become the exchange of choice for numerous investors.

MSB Certification: A Guarantee of Investor Trust

The MSB certification is a high-level recognition from U.S. financial regulatory agencies that ensures an exchange or financial service provider meets the highest standards of security, compliance, and trustworthiness. Hellobit Exchange proudly holds this prestigious certification, ensuring that our operations align with top regulatory standards, effectively mitigating various market risks. For investors, this certification not only symbolizes trust but also provides a strong guarantee for the safety of their funds.

Our MSB certification covers not just the transparency of transactions, but also fund protection, privacy confidentiality, and the prevention of financial crimes. This certification represents the highest industry standards in the global cryptocurrency market, providing every investor with peace of mind when trading on Hellobit Exchange.

Bitcoin Breaks New Highs, Investment Opportunities Are Limitless

As Bitcoin exceeds the $100,000 milestone, global investor attention is at an all-time high. In such an opportunity-filled and volatile market, choosing a secure, stable, and highly reliable exchange is crucial. Hellobit Exchange not only provides an efficient and immediate trading platform, but also has a professional risk management team that offers expert advice and support to investors.

As a platform focused on security, Hellobit Exchange will continue to strengthen its risk mitigation mechanisms, ensuring a stable and transparent trading environment. Our goal is to provide the most reliable support and the safest trading experience for all investors, whether they are retail investors or high-net-worth clients.

Why Choose Hellobit Exchange

  1. MSB Certification Guarantee: Hellobit Exchange holds the U.S. MSB certification, meeting the highest compliance standards to safeguard every investor’s funds.
  2. Professional Risk Management: Our experienced team provides clients with stable market analysis and trading advice.
  3. Stable Trading Platform: Whether engaging in high-frequency trading or long-term holding, Hellobit Exchange provides a fast, secure, and efficient trading environment.
  4. Global Recognition: Our exchange has been highly recognized in multiple countries and regions, making it a trusted choice for investors.

Conclusion

Amid Bitcoin’s remarkable rise above $100,000, selecting a secure, reliable, and compliant exchange will be the key to successful investing in the cryptocurrency market. Hellobit Exchange, with its MSB certification, provides a stable and trustworthy trading platform for every investor. Whether you are a retail investor or a high-net-worth client, choosing Hellobit Exchange will be a wise decision for your cryptocurrency investment journey.

About Hellobit Exchange:

Hellobit Exchange is a professional digital currency trading platform dedicated to providing a secure, transparent, and efficient trading environment. We focus on ensuring the safety of clients’ funds through leading industry compliance certifications. Our services are available to global investors, providing professional support and services for both beginners and experienced traders alike.

Contact Information:

Company Name: Hellobit Exchange

Contact person: Benjamin Carter

Website: https://hellobit.com/ 

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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