U.S. Expands Travel Bans to 19 Countries: What It Means for Immigrants, Travelers, and Employers 

In a sweeping and controversial move, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has reinstated and expanded travel bans affecting 19 countries, effective June 9, 2025. The new proclamation—Presidential Proclamation 2025-10669—was signed on June 4, 2025, and implements broad restrictions on visa issuance and U.S. entry for nationals from a wide range of nations, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.  

This latest policy, which resembles the earlier "Muslim Ban" from 2017, is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of potential travelers, students, workers, and family-based immigration applicants, while sparking fresh debates over national security, discrimination, and immigration law. President Donald J. Trump Restricts the Entry of Foreign Nationals – The White House 

The proclamation splits affected countries into two groups: 

FULL TRAVEL BAN – 12 Countries 

Nationals from these countries are prohibited from entering the U.S. on any visa category, including immigrant (green card) and nonimmigrant visas (e.g., B-1/B-2, F, H-1B): 

  • Afghanistan 

  • Myanmar (Burma) 

  • Chad 

  • Republic of the Congo 

  • Equatorial Guinea 

  • Eritrea 

  • Haiti 

  • Iran 

  • Libya 

  • Somalia 

  • Sudan 

  • Yemen 

These full bans mean that no new visas will be issued to nationals of these countries unless they meet narrow exemption criteria (see below). 

PARTIAL VISA BAN – 7 Countries 

For these nations, the ban applies to nonimmigrant visas only—mainly affecting tourism, study, temporary work, and exchange programs: 

  • Burundi 

  • Cuba 

  • Laos 

  • Sierra Leone 

  • Togo 

  • Turkmenistan 

  • Venezuela 

U.S. embassies and consulates will suspend visa issuance for B-1/B-2 visitors, F-1 and M-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and most employment-based categories unless applicants qualify for exceptions. 

Why This Ban Was Issued 

The administration has justified the bans on grounds of national security, inadequate identity screening, terrorism threats, and diplomatic concerns. The White House cited Executive Order 14161 and Homeland Security evaluations claiming that the targeted countries: 

  • Failed to share information about criminal records or known terrorists 

  • Lacked robust identity-management protocols 

  • Refused to accept deported nationals from the U.S. 

  • Created a “heightened risk” of illegal entry or visa fraud 

However, immigration advocates, foreign governments, and human rights groups argue that the bans are overly broad, discriminatory, and politically motivated, particularly targeting Muslim-majority and African nations. 

Who Is Still Allowed to Enter? 

The following categories of people from affected countries are generally exempt from the bans: 

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) 

  • U.S. Citizens’ Immediate Relatives (spouses, minor children, parents) 

  • Dual Nationals traveling on a passport from a non-listed country 

  • Visa Holders issued before June 9, 2025 

  • Diplomatic and International Organization Visa Holders 

  • Athletes, coaches, and interpreters participating in international events 

  • National Interest Exemptions (determined by DHS or DOS) 

  • Afghan SIV Holders and Iranian religious minorities under refugee protection 

Who Is Barred? 

If you are a national of one of the banned countries and: 

  • Have not yet been issued a visa 

  • Are applying for any nonimmigrant or immigrant visa not exempted 

  • Cannot demonstrate a national interest or humanitarian exemption 

  • You will likely be denied entry or visa issuance. 

 

Guidance for Employers, Students, and Families  

For Employers: 

  • New visa sponsorships from affected countries are on hold. Anticipate delays or denials for H-1B, L-1, and other categories. 

  • Current visa holders with valid documents may remain and work but should avoid travel abroad without legal consultation. 

For Students: 

  • F-1 and J-1 visa applicants from partially banned countries will face denial unless exempted. 

  • Current students in the U.S. should seek advice before traveling or applying for OPT/CPT extensions. 

For Families: 

  • Family-based petitions are not automatically canceled, but visa interviews and approvals may be suspended. 

  • U.S. citizens petitioning for family members should prepare for delays, waivers, or legal review.