President Trump Implements Travel Ban Targeting 19 Countries
On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a sweeping immigration executive order stated for the purpose of strengthening national security by restricting entry into the United States from a list of countries deemed high-risk. The travel ban takes effect at 12:01am on June 9, 2025.
The travel ban imposes full entry bans on nationals from 12 countries, including: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, citing inadequate vetting practices, terrorism concerns, and high visa overstay rates.
Additionally, the travel ban imposes partial entry restrictions on seven other nations for individuals on B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), F (student), M (nonacademic or vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas for the following countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The travel ban also restricts some immigrant visas - applicants processing their green card case at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad. President Trump noted in a video that new countries could be added to the travel ban as “threats emerge around the world.”
The travel ban does not affect the following individuals:
U.S. citizens;
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
Anyone from a country not listed above;
Anyone who is already physically in the U.S. in one of these visa categories from one of the countries listed above (as long as they don’t leave the U.S. and require a new visa);
Anyone who currently holds a valid/current visa by 12:01 am EST on June 9, 2025 and seeking to enter the U.S. using their valid visa;
Asylees, refugees or an individual who was granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
Additionally, the partial entry restriction does not affect individuals from one of the seven countries listed above who acquire visa stamps for other visa categories (such as P-3 (culturally unique artists and entertainers), H-1B (specialty occupation workers) or L-1 (intracompany transferees)). However, these other visa type validity periods may be limited.
Exceptions exist for the following individuals abroad:
Lawful permanent residents (someone who is already a green card holder);
Any dual national of a country not on the travel ban list and using the non-banned country passport to enter the U.S.;
Any individual traveling on an A, C, G, or NATO visa;
Any athlete, coach, supporting role personnel, and immediate family members traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
Immediate family immigrant visas (spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationships (e.g., DNA);
Children adopted by U.S. citizens;
Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;
Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees;
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
Individuals whose entry would serve U.S. national interests.
The White House has yet to provide FAQs or more details about the travel ban. We will continue monitoring this evolving situation and advise clients on their rights and options. For those impacted by the Proclamation — including U.S. citizens petitioning for family members or employers sponsoring workers — careful legal analysis is essential. Please contact Vong Law Group if you have questions about the new travel ban and whether you may qualify for national interest exception.
We strongly urge anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to not travel internationally.
