June 9, 2025

Presidential Proclamation Establishes a “Full” Entry Ban on 12 Countries and a “Partial” Entry Ban on 7 Countries

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued “Presidential Proclamation Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Threats.”  The administration invokes national security and public safety as justification for travel restrictions.  The full proclamation can be found at White House Restricting Entry of Certain Foreign Nationals. 

Countries Fully Restricted 

As of June 9, 2025, the proclamation will fully suspend entry on immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for the nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. 

Countries Partially Restricted 

As of June 9, 2025, the proclamation suspends entry on immigrant, B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, and reduces the of validity for other nonimmigrant visas for the nationals of the following countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. 

While Egypt is not currently under any entry ban orders, it is under review for potential travel restrictions. 

Scope of Restrictions 

The Entry Bans only applies to those outside the U.S. on June 9, 2025, who are not in possession of a valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visas as of that date.  No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before June 9, 2025, will be revoked pursuant to this proclamation. 

The Entry Ban Does Not Apply To: 

  • S. Permanent Residents;
  • Dual nationals of a non-listed country (as long as the unaffected passport is presented);
  • Specific diplomatic visas (A A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6);
  • Athletes and coaches in World Cup, Olympics, or major sporting event;
  • Immediate relative immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with “with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA)”;
  • Adoptions;
  • Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;
  • Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. Government employees;
  • Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
  • Individuals granted asylum;
  • Refugees admitted to the U.S.; and
  • Individuals granted withholding of removal under the CAT.

The Proclamation does not limit the ability for individuals to seek asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the CAT. 

Discretionary National Interest Exceptions 

Exceptions to the restrictions may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals whose travel would serve a United States national interest.  These exceptions shall be made by the Secretary of State or his designee, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee.  

Duration of Restrictions 

The duration of the travel restrictions will remain in effect with no specific sunset, until further notice.  Within 90 days of the proclamation and every 180 days thereafter, the Attorney General, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and the Director of National Intelligence shall submit a report recommending the continuation, termination, modification, or supplementation of the suspensions. 

If you wish to discuss specific travel questions, you may contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This advisory is solely informational and does not constitute direct legal advice. Please contact Sostrin Immigration Lawyers, LLP for specific immigration related legal guidance.