Trump’s Travel Ban Is Back: What You Need to Know

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation reinstating broad travel restrictions on nationals from 19 countries. These new bans will take effect June 9, 2025, and mark a significant return to the Trump-era immigration policies that shaped his first term.

🔒 Who Is Affected?

The proclamation divides the 19 countries into two categories: full bans and partial bans.

Countries Under a Full Ban

Nationals from the following 12 countries are barred from entering the U.S. under any visa category—immigrant or nonimmigrant:

·        Afghanistan

·        Chad

·        Republic of the Congo

·        Equatorial Guinea

·        Eritrea

·        Haiti

·        Iran

·        Libya

·        Myanmar (Burma)

·        Somalia

·        Sudan

·        Yemen

This means that individuals from these countries will not be eligible for any U.S. visa, regardless of the purpose of travel.

Countries Under a Partial Ban

Seven countries face targeted visa restrictions, primarily affecting temporary visa categories:

·        Burundi

·        Cuba

·        Laos

·        Sierra Leone

·        Togo

·        Turkmenistan

·        Venezuela

For these countries, the restrictions focus on B-1/B-2 (business/tourist), F (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) visas. Other visa types may still be issued, but applicants should expect increased scrutiny and shorter validity periods.

🕵️ Possible Future Additions

The proclamation also directs the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence to review conditions in Egypt, signaling that it may be added to the list in the near future.

✅ Exemptions to the June 2025 Travel Ban

The proclamation does not apply to the following individuals:

• U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)

  These individuals are not subject to the ban, regardless of country of origin.

  
  

• Dual Nationals

  Nationals of a listed country who also hold citizenship in a non-listed country may be exempt if they travel on the passport of the non-listed country.

  
  

• Diplomats and Certain Official Visa Holders

  Holders of A, G, NATO, and certain C visas are generally exempt.

  
  

• Individuals Granted Asylum or Refugee Status

  Those who have already been granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S. are not affected.

  
  

• Special Immigrants

  Certain special immigrant visa holders, such as those who assisted the U.S. government abroad, may be exempt.

  
  

• Participants in Major International Events

  Individuals traveling to compete in major sporting or cultural events may be exempt on a case-by-case basis.

  
  

⚠️ Waivers May Be Available

In addition to the listed exemptions, the proclamation allows for case-by-case waivers if the applicant can demonstrate that:

1. Denying entry would cause undue hardship,

2. Entry would not pose a threat to national security or public safety, and

3. Entry would be in the national interest.

   
   

These waivers are discretionary and must be approved by a consular officer or DHS official.

⚖️ What This Means

This move echoes the original “Travel Ban” policies from 2017–2020, which were widely criticized for their broad scope and impact on families, students, and professionals. Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are already preparing for legal challenges and waiver requests.

If you or someone you know may be affected by these changes, it’s critical to return to the U.S. before June 9th if you can do so, and consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.