Highlights
- President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that places restrictions on certain foreign nationals from entering the U.S., citing the need to protect the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.
- Certain foreign nationals of 12 countries will be fully restricted from entering the U.S., and certain foreign nationals of seven countries will be partially restricted from entering the U.S.
- This Holland & Knight alert discusses the scope of restrictions, reasons for and exceptions to the bans, as well as anticipated legal challenges.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on June 4, 2025, placing restrictions on certain foreign nationals from entering the U.S., effective June 9, 2025. President Trump cited the need to protect the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.
According to the proclamation, certain foreign nationals of 12 countries will be fully restricted from entering the U.S., and certain foreign nationals of seven countries will be partially restricted from entering the U.S.
This Holland & Knight alert discusses the scope of restrictions, reasons for and exceptions to the bans, as well as anticipated legal challenges.
Countries Fully Restricted
|
Afghanistan |
Equatorial Guinea |
Libya |
|
Burma |
Eritrea |
Somalia |
|
Chad |
Haiti |
Sudan |
|
Republic of the Congo |
Iran |
Yemen |
Countries Partially Restricted
|
Burundi |
Cuba |
Laos |
Sierra Leone |
|
Togo |
Turkmenistan |
Venezuela |
Scope of Restrictions
Certain foreign nationals from the 12 fully restricted countries will be prohibited from entering the U.S. For the seven partially restricted countries, entry is prohibited for immigrants (those applying for U.S. permanent residence) and non-immigrants seeking B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas. This includes temporary visitors for business or pleasure, students and participants in exchange programs. Foreign nationals of partially restricted countries who are seeking entry to the U.S. in non-prohibited visa categories can also expect to see reduced validity periods.
While Egypt is not on the ban list, it is under review to confirm whether its current screening and vetting capabilities are adequate.
Reasons for the Bans
The Trump Administration has cited several reasons for these restrictions, including:
- deficient screening and vetting protocols
- risks of overstaying U.S. visas
- historic failure to accept back removable nationals
- national security concerns
- counterterrorism efforts
Exceptions to the Bans
The restrictions do not apply to:
- foreign nationals who currently hold a valid U.S. visa
- legal permanent residents
- dual citizens entering the U.S. with a passport from a non-restricted country
- athletes traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup or Olympics
- immediate relatives with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship
- adoptions
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)
- U.S. government employee SIVs
- immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities escaping persecution in Iran
Anticipated Legal Challenges
The ban is expected to face legal challenges similar to those encountered during President Trump's first term. The previous ban was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
