On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation restricting travel to the United States of nationals from 19 countries. The proclamation is a result of a Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order issued to reaffirm the Trump administration’s commitment to stricter national security policies. The restrictions, effective 12:01 am EDT on Monday, June 9, 2025, are based on concerns over terrorism, inadequate vetting, failure to accept removable nationals and high visa overstay rates.

Full entry ban (immigrants and nonimmigrants)

Entry of nationals from the following 12 countries will be fully suspended: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Partial entry ban (immigrants and certain nonimmigrants)

Nationals from the following 7 countries face partial restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

Entry of immigrants and B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J nonimmigrant nationals from the 7 countries will be suspended, and consular officers are directed to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas issued to such nationals to the extent permitted by law.

Scope and exceptions

The proclamation states that it applies to nationals of the 19 countries who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not have a valid visa on that date. The suspension and limitation on entry does not apply to:

  • Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders with visas issued before the effective date
  • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Individuals granted asylum, refugees already admitted to the U.S. and individuals granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture
  • Dual nationals of the 19 countries when traveling on a passport issued by a country not designated
  • Certain specified A, C, G, and NATO visa holders
  • Athletes or members of athletic teams, including coaches and necessary support staff, and immediate relatives, traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup and Olympics
  • Spouses, biological children under 21 years of age, adopted children, and parents, of U.S. citizens
  • Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders
  • Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees, and
  • Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran

Nationals from designated countries who are planning to travel outside of the United States should carefully evaluate their situation and consult with an experienced immigration attorney to address travel-related concerns.

Waivers

Exceptions may be made if:

  • The Attorney General finds, in coordination with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security, that the travel by an individual would advance a critical U.S. national interest involving the Department of Justice, or
  • On a case-by-case basis, the Secretary of State finds, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, that the travel by an individual would serve a U.S. national interest

Policy oversight and international engagement

The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, is tasked with regularly assessing the status and effectiveness of suspensions and limitations of the travel ban. These assessments are to be reported to the President within 90 days of the issuance of the proclamation and every 180 days thereafter. The Secretary of State must engage affected countries to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration and security standards, with a specific directive to review and report on Egypt’s current screening and vetting procedures.

Workforce considerations and practical implications

Though there may not be immediate ramifications for nationals from designated countries who are currently in the U.S., the travel ban practically means that any international travel should be carefully considered due to the risk that the individual will not be permitted to enter the U.S. upon their return, unless they fall under an exception. Employers should expect delays and potential periods of absence for affected employees. 

Employers sponsoring foreign nationals from the designated countries, whether for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, should plan for an interruption in the sponsorship process if the employee is processing through a consulate overseas.

It is an important reminder that a visa allows a foreign national to travel to the U.S. and present themselves at a U.S. port-of-entry to seek admission. Once a foreign national is in the U.S., their I-94, Travel Record controls their duration of stay in the U.S. in a nonimmigrant status. If the individual entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa, then the legal permanent resident card (green card) they were issued after entry is proof of their status as a legal permanent resident. The proclamation states that no immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the effective date of the proclamation will be revoked pursuant to the proclamation. Revocation of a visa does not revoke status.

For more information, please contact any member of Porter Wright’s Immigration Practice Group.