New Proclamation Restricts Entry of Foreign Nationals from 19 Countries
By, Nikki Whetstone, Managing Attorney
President Trump issued a new executive order on June 4, 2025 imposing sweeping new restrictions on nationals of 19 countries, significantly impacting both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants.
What Does the Proclamation Do?
The order imposes full or partial suspensions on the entry of foreign nationals from specific countries deemed to have inadequate security screening systems or high rates of visa overstays.
Countries Affected
Full Travel Bans (Immigrants and Nonimmigrants)
Nationals from the following 12 countries are subject to a full suspension of entry:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
These restrictions apply to most visa categories, including immigrant, tourist, and student visas, unless an exception applies.
Partial Travel Bans
For nationals from the following 7 countries, entry is partially restricted, affecting certain visa categories:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The partial bans generally apply to immigrant visas and to nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 (visitor), F (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas. Other visa types may be limited in duration or subject to additional scrutiny.
Exceptions and Waivers
The proclamation includes a number of exceptions, including:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country
- Certain A, C, and G diplomatic, official, and NATO visa holders
- Certain athletes, coaches and supporting personnel participating in major sporting events, and special immigrant visa (SIV) holders
- Adoption and immediate family (spouse, parent or minor child of US citizen) immigrant visas
- Individuals granted asylum, refugee status, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Case-by-case waivers are also available when travel is deemed to advance a U.S. national interest.
Who Does This Apply To?
The travel bans apply to foreign nationals from the designated countries above who are outside the U.S. and do not have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025 at 12:01am EDT. Immigrant and nonimmigrant visas issued before June 9, 2025 will not be revoked based on the travel ban.
Additional Travel Restrictions
A second proclamation was also issued which suspends entry of F, J, and M students attending Harvard University after June 4, 2025. F, J, and M student visas issued to Harvard University students may be revoked on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions are available when travel is deemed to advance a U.S. national interest.
Possible Future Suspensions
The U.S. government is reviewing the conditions in Egypt due to recent conditions and may be added to the travel ban in the future.
What This Means for You
If you or a loved one is from one of the affected countries and seeking a U.S. visa or entry into the United States, it is crucial to understand how this executive order may impact your case. Even those currently in the United States on valid visas should be cautious about international travel.
Our law firm is monitoring developments closely and is available to help clients determine whether an exception or waiver may apply to their situation. We can also advise companies employing foreign nationals from affected countries on compliance and contingency planning.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how this order may affect you.
