Donald Trump's felony conviction may bar him from visiting certain countries but Internet begs to differ

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial conviction could hinder him from freely traveling internationally as some countries have prohibitions on travel visa applications from convicted felons, according to the New York Post.

On May 30, the GOP presumptive nominee became the first ex-president to be convicted in a criminal case after a Manhattan jury found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a payoff to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to stop her from publicizing their one-time affair.

However, Trump can travel to visa-exempt nations, including  Argentina, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Donald Trump could face problems in visiting at least six nations

The US passport does not contain details about an individual's criminal history. However, the former president could face troubles if a customs official inquires about his record.

According to New York immigration attorney Karin Wolman, Trump's conviction in the hush money case "would almost certainly affect his ability to travel for diplomatic purposes" to nations including Australia, China, India, Israel, New Zealand, and Taiwan even if he wins a second White House term in November.

A visa is mandatory to visit all these six nations, and the visa applications contain questions on the applicant's criminal history to exclude violent criminals and sex offenders from entering.

Due to the non-violent nature of the real estate mogul's offenses, these countries could offer him a temporary visa or apply for waivers, the immigration attorney said, adding, "It will be up to each individual country whether they want to waive his 34 felony convictions" and permitting his entrance.

Further, Wolman pointed out that one cannot lie about the application or during the interview, and these countries could deny the visa if anyone does so.

Attorney Gadi Zohar opined if Trump wins the presidency, no country might prevent his visit despite the conviction due to his diplomatic status.

"Normally, you're also asked to show your disposition records and some proof you served time but it's not exactly a secret that he was convicted, given it's on every front page," Wolman added.

The hush money sentence against Trump is scheduled to be announced on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Internet debates over likely visa ban for Donald Trump

Netizens had a divided opinion on the possibility of Trump being prohibited from visiting certain countries due to the conviction. While some said he could invite leaders of those countries to the US, another group claimed the former president would pardon himself, though it is not an option.

One user wrote, "The magnitude of TDS is insane." While another remarked, "His supporters will call it a patriotic badge of honor while the rest of the world sees it as a sign of how far the U.S. has fallen."

"They can come here everyone is welcome EVERYONE," one user claimed. Whereas, another response read, "Well he only cares about America so there’s that."

Someone else said, "Anyone who thinks countries would bar him is a moron. They want him back in charge here. They'd welcome him with open arms."

"If he was elected president he would just pardon himself," an individual added.

A remark read, "So he invites those country's leaders to the U.S., problem solved."

Another user wrote, "No one with half a brain would care. The world needs the US much more than the US needs the world. If Trump happens to become president again watch how quickly those regulations will be changed."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.