On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a new Presidential Proclamation imposed visa entry restrictions to foreign nationals from 19 countries into the United States, citing national security and public safety threats. Effective June 9, 2025, this sweeping directive outlines full or partial suspension of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for nationals from countries with significant vetting deficiencies, high overstay rates, or non-cooperation in removing deportable individuals.
This policy—rooted in authority granted by sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)—has serious implications for current and future visa applicants, foreign students, business travelers, and even some family-based immigration petitions.
Who Is Affected?
The proclamation divides affected countries into two categories: full entry suspensions and partial entry suspensions.
Full Entry Suspensions (Immigrants and Nonimmigrants):
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
These nations were found to have serious deficiencies in passport and identity-document issuance, information-sharing practices, and/or high visa overstay rates. For example, Equatorial Guinea had a student visa overstay rate exceeding 70%, while Burma and Chad exceeded 40% and 50% respectively in multiple visa categories.
Partial Entry Suspensions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Nationals of these countries are suspended from entering the U.S. on B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J visas for students and exchange visitors. However, other nonimmigrant categories may still be issued on a case-by-case basis with reduced validity.
Exceptions & Waivers
The proclamation includes specific exceptions for:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country
- Certain diplomatic, NATO, and international organization visa holders
- Select humanitarian cases (e.g., ethnic and religious minorities from Iran, or Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders)
Additionally, case-by-case waivers may be granted for applicants whose travel supports critical U.S. interests or who qualify under humanitarian grounds.
Key Takeaways for Visa Applicants and Sponsors
- Existing visas issued before June 9, 2025, are not automatically revoked.
- If you or a family member is a national of one of the affected countries, consult an attorney before initiating a new visa application.
- U.S. sponsors, including employers and family petitioners, must consider alternative immigration options or prepare for extended processing timelines.
- Nationals of affected countries currently in the U.S. should avoid international travel until further clarification on reentry eligibility is available.
What Comes Next?
The Secretary of State will review the listed countries every 180 days to determine whether suspensions should continue, be lifted, or modified. Countries that improve information-sharing and screening protocols may eventually be removed from the list.
For now, the visa entry restrictions underscore the administration’s focus on immigration enforcement and national security. Foreign nationals from affected regions should stay informed, avoid missteps in their application process, and consult legal counsel to explore viable alternatives under current U.S. immigration law.
Need Guidance?
Ahluwalia Law Offices offers personalized legal counsel for impacted individuals and sponsors navigating this rapidly evolving immigration landscape. Contact us today for a consultation.
