On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” Invoking authority under Sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the proclamation bars the entry of nationals from 19 countries, some fully, others partially, effective June 9, 2025.
Purpose of the Proclamation
The stated goal is to safeguard U.S. citizens from terrorist threats and to prevent foreign nationals with insufficient vetting from entering the United States. The administration emphasizes improved information-sharing, document integrity, and cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities as essential components of any nation’s eligibility to send nationals to the United States.
Countries Fully Restricted from Entry
The following 12 countries face a full suspension of entry for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Reasons for the full bans include high visa overstay rates, lack of cooperation in accepting deportees, and inability to share reliable identity or criminal background information.
Countries Partially Restricted from Entry
The following 7 countries face partial entry restrictions, primarily affecting B-1/B-2 visitors and F, M, and J visa holders. Visa validity may be shortened for other nonimmigrant categories:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
These countries were cited for moderate to high overstay rates and failure to cooperate in the return of removable nationals.
Who Is Exempt?
The proclamation contains several broad and narrow exemptions, including:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country
- Holders of A, G, C, or NATO visas
- Individuals participating in major sporting events (Olympics, World Cup)
- Immediate family immigrant visa applicants (with verified relationships)
- International adoptions (IR/IH categories)
- Afghan and U.S. government Special Immigrant Visa holders
- Iranian religious and ethnic minorities are facing persecution
Waivers and Exceptions
Case-by-case exceptions may be granted by:
- The Attorney General (e.g., for criminal case witnesses)
- The Secretary of State (e.g., to serve national interest)
Enforcement and Future Review
The Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence will reassess the restrictions every 180 days. Countries may be removed or added depending on cooperation levels and improvements in vetting procedures. The proclamation does not affect those already granted asylum or refugee status and does not revoke visas issued before June 9, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Effective Date: June 9, 2025
- Applies to: Nationals of 19 listed countries
- Does NOT apply to: Green card holders, refugees, dual nationals with non-listed country passports, and certain special visa holders
- Future updates: Subject to review every 180 days
Conclusion
This June 2025 travel ban marks a significant development in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration. It reaffirms the use of presidential authority under INA §212(f) to address national security and public safety concerns through targeted entry restrictions. Affected individuals and their legal representatives should review eligibility for exceptions or waivers and monitor future announcements for country-specific updates.
For questions or legal assistance navigating this policy, contact Richards and Jurusik, a law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families with complex U.S. immigration matters.
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