Even before President Donald Trump told Haitians this week they will no longer be welcome in the United States, travel from the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation was already difficult. It's been restricted by deadly gang violence,

While the ban applies to Haitian nationals, some Haitian Americans are speaking out about its broader implications.

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, a fellow Republican, urged the Trump administration to reverse its decision. Lawler's 17th District includes Spring Valley, home to the second-largest Haitian diaspora, per capita, in the U.S.

Of the 12 countries from which travel is fully restricted, three are embroiled in bloody civil wars. Many of the other countries are also undergoing conflicts.

South Florida leaders on Thursday denounced the Trump administration’s travel ban targeting Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela, crisis-wracked nations that are among 19 countries hit with full or partial prohibitions against entering the United States.

South Florida's airports are common gateways for people from Haiti, Venezuela and Cuba to enter the U.S. Each nation has a presence in South Florida.

President Trump’s announcement Wednesday night of a full travel ban on people from 12 countries, partial restriction on seven countries drew a swift and angry response from Boston area immigration advocates.