LPY Law Group
Presidential Proclamation: Suspension of Visa Issuance Targeting 19 Countries
On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a new Presidential Proclamation that suspends entry for nationals of 19 countries, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. This measure is framed as a national security and public safety safeguard targeting countries with inadequate identity-management, information-sharing, or high visa overstay rates. This 2025 "travel ban" represents a return to the immigration restrictions of the first Trump Administration. As detailed below, the suspension includes both full and partial restrictions depending on the country, but exceptions are available for individuals whose travel is deemed in the national interest or who fall within specifically protected categories.
The Proclamation fully suspends entry for nationals of 12 countries (Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen) regardless of whether they are applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas. These nations were cited for terrorism concerns, lack of cooperation on deportations, high visa overstay rates, or lack of reliable government authorities for identity verification and document control.
Entry for nationals of 7 additional countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela) is partially suspended, with bans on immigrant visas and select nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), F (students), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas. Additionally, visa validity may be shortened for nationals of these countries.
The Proclamation applies to foreign nationals of the designated countries who:
- are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and
- do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.
This means foreign nationals of these countries who already have a valid visa issued prior to June 9, 2025, should be able to enter the United States. For individuals currently in the process of applying for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas abroad, this means that unless an exemption applies, visa issuance may be suspended and interviews delayed for applicants from the listed countries. Applications submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC) may remain in queue pending the lifting of restrictions.
Importantly, the Proclamation does not apply tothe following categories of individuals:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country
- Diplomats and representatives of international organizations (A, G, NATO visa holders)
- Participants in designated international sporting events (e.g., Olympics, World Cup)
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens with verified familial ties (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5)
- Orphans or adoptees entering on IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, or IH-4 visas
- Afghan and other Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders for U.S. government service
- Certain persecuted religious or ethnic minorities from Iran
- Individuals granted asylum or refugee status, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Additionally, discretionary case-by-case waivers may be granted by the Secretary of State or Attorney General if travel is deemed in the U.S. national interest, including cooperation in law enforcement or participation in legal proceedings.
Importantly, this Proclamation DOES NOT affect applications filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including Form I-140 and Form I-485 Adjustment of Status. This means foreign nationals may still submit Form I-140 petition and be approved, regardless of whether they are in the United States or abroad. It also means that individuals who are physically present in the United States can still be approved for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
The Secretary of State will review and reassess the list of restricted countries and may make adjustments.
Our office will continue to monitor all updates to this Proclamation and provide timely guidance to clients affected by the policy. If you believe you may qualify for an exemption or have questions about how this impacts your case, please contact us for consultation: contact@niwus.com.
