Skip to Main Content

Trump’s New Travel Bans: 19 Countries Blocked From Entry

On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing a sweeping immigration travel ban, introducing new entry restrictions into the United States for citizens of 19 countries. These measures, taking effect June 9, are aimed at enhancing national security and tightening immigration policy.

Complete Travel Ban (12 Countries)

Citizens of the following countries are fully banned from entering the U.S. on both immigrant and nonimmigrant (temporary) visas:

  • Afghanistan
  • Myanmar
  • Chad
  • Republic of Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Yemen

This means nationals of these countries will not be able to obtain immigrant visas (e.g., for permanent residence) or nonimmigrant visas (e.g., for tourism or study).

Partial Restrictions (7 Countries)

Citizens of / immigrants from the following countries are subject to partial travel bans restrictions affecting specific visa categories:

  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Laos
  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela

The following visa categories are banned for these countries:

  • B-1/B-2 (business and tourist visas)
  • F, M, J (student, vocational, and exchange visas)
  • Immigrant visas for permanent residence

However, nationals of these countries may still apply for other types of temporary visas not covered by the ban.

Exemptions from the Ban

Despite the strict rules, the travel ban order provides several exceptions:

  • U.S. lawful permanent resident immigrants (green card holders)
  • Dual nationals entering on a passport from a non-restricted country
  • Diplomats and representatives of international organizations
  • Afghans granted special immigrant visas for assisting the U.S.
  • Athletes and coaches participating in international competitions like the Olympics or World Cup
  • Individuals already accepted as refugees or granted asylum prior to the order
  • Children adopted by U.S. citizens
  • Spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens, with verified family ties

Criticism and International Reaction

Many human rights organizations and international partners have expressed concern over the new order. Critics argue that the measures are discriminatory and could damage U.S. relations with several countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Some countries have already hinted at retaliatory actions, including limiting visas for U.S. citizens.

What This Immigration Travel Ban Means for You

President Trump’s new executive order significantly expands entry restrictions for citizens of multiple countries, affecting thousands of individuals — including students, workers, and families. Immigration attorneys and applicants should carefully review the new rules and assess how they impact specific cases.

This expanded travel ban is expected to cause serious economic and humanitarian consequences. It does not enhance national security but instead harms the U.S. economy and unfairly punishes immigrants who would otherwise qualify for legal entry. Citizens from the 19 affected countries already contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, earning billions and paying taxes. Many play vital roles in entrepreneurship and filling labor shortages in STEM and healthcare. Previous bans have not proven effective as national security tools, and broad nationality-based exclusions unfairly label innocent individuals as threats based on factors beyond their control.

Ready to legalize your status in the U.S.? Call now to book a consultation with our team. We can help!

SHEPELSKY LAW GROUP
📞 Tel: (718) 769-6352
🌐 www.ShepelskyLaw.com