As of June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, a new Presidential Proclamation has gone into effect that suspends or restricts the issuance of visas to foreign nationals from 19 countries, citing national security and public safety concerns. This Proclamation, titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” was issued in accordance with executive authority and enforced by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This marks a significant development in U.S. immigration policy, especially for nationals planning travel or immigration to the United States from the affected countries.
Full Visa Suspension: 12 Countries Affected
The following countries are subject to a full suspension of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa issuance, with very limited exceptions:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Exceptions Apply To:
- Diplomats and official visa holders
- Immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) of U.S. citizens
- Adoption cases involving U.S. citizen parents
- Certain ethnic/religious minority cases from Iran
- Dual nationals applying under a passport not affected by the ban
- Afghan and U.S. government SIV applicants
- Select athletes in international events
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
Partial Visa Suspension: 7 Countries Affected
Nationals of the following countries are partially restricted—the suspension applies specifically to B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visas, as well as all immigrant visas, again with limited exceptions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The same categories of exceptions outlined above also apply.
Important Clarifications
- Not Retroactive: Any visa issued before June 9, 2025, remains valid.
- Applies Only to Those Abroad: Foreign nationals who are outside the U.S. and do not hold a valid visa on the effective date are impacted.
- Not a Blanket Entry Ban: This is a suspension of visa issuance and not a revocation of previously issued visas.
- Case-by-Case National Interest Waivers: The Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, or Attorney General may authorize exceptions if deemed to serve U.S. national interest.
What This Means for Applicants
Foreign nationals from impacted countries should:
- Check their visa status immediately.
- Avoid scheduling travel or submitting applications without legal guidance.
- Consult an immigration attorney to explore alternate visa strategies or waivers, particularly for family-based petitions or humanitarian exceptions.
Our Guidance
At Ahluwalia Law Offices, we understand the disruption and uncertainty this Proclamation introduces. If you or your family members are affected, we encourage you to contact our office to evaluate eligibility for any of the listed exceptions or alternative immigration options.
We are actively assisting clients from impacted countries and working to ensure compliance with all federal guidance issued by USCIS, the Department of State, and DHS.
Read the Full Presidential Proclamation
For a confidential consultation, contact Ahluwalia Law Offices today.