Executive Order Restricting the Entry of Certain Foreign Nationals into the U.S.

U.S. Travel Ban: Proclamation to Restrict Specific Visa Issuance  

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a Proclamation restricting visa issuance and entry into the U.S. for foreign nationals from certain countries to combat terrorism and national security threats. This action follows his Executive Order 14161, which directed national security agencies to assess risks posed by various nations. In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the President’s authority to impose such entry restrictions under the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

U.S. Travel Ban List  

The Proclamation fully restricts immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuance for foreign nationals from 12 countries deemed to have inadequate screening processes and a high security risk. These countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.  

Additionally, visa issuance is partially restricted for nationals from seven other countries (restricting B-1, B-2, F, M and J visas). These countries include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Exceptions exist for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders and individuals with national interest considerations, among other exceptions.  

The proclamation will take effect at 12:01 am ET on June 9, 2025, and will only apply to individuals who are outside the U.S. and do not have a valid visa as of the effective date. 

Exceptions to the Travel Ban

• If you hold a valid U.S. visa, then you should still be permitted to continue traveling to the U.S. using that visa; 
• If you are physically in the U.S. before June 9, 2025 you should be permitted to stay; 
• U.S. Green Card Holders (permanent residents); 
• Any dual national of a country on the travel ban list when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not on the travel ban list; 
• Any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications:  A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5 or NATO-6; 
• Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State; 
• Immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA); 
• Adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4); 
• Afghan Special Immigrant Visas; 
• Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. Government employees; 
• Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
• Waivers/Exceptions may be made for individuals who would advance a critical U.S. national interest involving the Department of Justice. This includes when individuals must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses; and
• Officials may grant waivers or exceptions on a case-by-case basis to individuals who serve a U.S. national interest.

Why a Travel Ban?  

The administration argues that these measures will encourage foreign governments to cooperate, strengthen immigration enforcement and advance counterterrorism objectives. The restrictions are based on concerns related to inadequate vetting, high visa overstay rates, lack of information-sharing and terrorism risks. 

President Trump has framed this action as a continuation of his first-term travel ban, reinforcing his commitment to national security and border enforcement.  The Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration’s previous travel ban, ruling that it fell within presidential authority and was justified by legitimate security concerns. 

What This Proclamation Means for Foreign Nationals  

Foreign nationals from fully restricted countries who are not eligible for an exception will likely be unable to reenter the U.S. which will potentially lead to job losses or delays in hiring. Those from partially restricted countries may experience longer visa processing times and lengthy in-person interviews. Employees from affected countries should reconsider non-essential international travel, as re-entry into the U.S. could be impossible. 

What This Proclamation Means for Employers 

The new travel ban, coupled with the administration’s restrictive immigration policies and heightened enforcement measures, is expected to create additional challenges for employers. These challenges include difficulties hiring workers from restricted countries, leading to talent shortages across various industries. Additionally, employers should be prepared for stricter or more frequent immigration audits, which will increase administrative workload.