On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a presidential proclamation restricting the entry of foreign nationals from 19 countries into the United States, citing national security, public safety and immigration enforcement concerns. This order was issued pursuant to section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the president to suspend the entry of any class of foreign nationals whose presence in the United States would be detrimental to the national interest. The new rules take effect on June 9, 2025, and impose two types of travel restrictions: full entry suspensions and partial entry suspensions.
Full Suspension on Entry
A full suspension applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories and prohibits virtually all nationals from the affected countries from entering the United States. This includes visitors, students, workers and individuals seeking permanent residence through an immigrant visa:
Twelve countries are subject to full entry suspensions:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
The administration cited a range of concerns for these countries, including terrorism, lack of reliable identity documentation, absence of cooperation in repatriating deportees and high visa overstay rates. For example, Equatorial Guinea had a student and exchange visa overstay rate exceeding 70%, while Chad had a combined overstay rate above 50%, according to the order. In other cases, such as Iran and Afghanistan, the cited reasons included state-sponsored terrorism and the lack of a functioning government capable of ensuring security vetting.
Partial Suspension on Entry
In contrast to the full suspension, a partial suspension blocks specific visa categories, most notably immigrant visas, tourist and business visitor visas (B-1/B-2), and student and exchange visitor visas (F, M and J), while leaving open the possibility of entry through other nonimmigrant visa types, such as certain employment-based or diplomatic categories. However, even in cases of partial suspension, consular officers are instructed to limit the validity period of any visas that are still issued.
Seven countries are subject to partial entry suspensions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The Proclamation Does Not Make Anyone Currently in the United States Deportable
Importantly, the entry restrictions apply only to foreign nationals from the listed countries who are outside the United States as of June 9, 2025, and do not already have valid visas. Foreign nationals lawfully present in the United States on valid visas or valid status (such as F-1 students, H-1B employees or green card holders) are not affected in terms of deportability solely because of this proclamation. They may continue living and working in the United States in accordance with the terms of their existing status.
Individuals with Valid Visas Should Avoid International Travel
Even though the proclamation states that it applies only to individuals who are outside the United States and do not have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025, individuals from the listed countries should avoid international travel. Reentry to the U.S. is not guaranteed, even with a previously valid visa, because the use of that visa after June 9 may trigger a new entry determination under INA § 212(f). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may interpret the proclamation as grounds to deny admission based on visa category or national security concerns. Consular officers may also restrict or cancel visa validity in light of the proclamation. Individuals risk being denied boarding, refused entry at the port of entry or having to qualify for an exception or waiver to return. Employers, students and other affected individuals should consult immigration counsel before departing the United States.
Change and Adjustment of Status
Additionally, the proclamation does not bar the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from processing change of status or adjustment of status applications for individuals who are already lawfully present in the United States. Because the proclamation is issued under INA § 212(f), which governs admission into the United States from abroad, it does not directly apply to internal immigration benefits adjudicated by USCIS. A change of status (e.g., from F-1 to H-1B) or an adjustment of status to permanent residence (green card) does not involve a new entry and is therefore outside the scope of the proclamation’s restrictions. While USCIS retains general discretion in adjudicating such requests, it cannot deny an application solely on the basis of the proclamation or the applicant’s nationality. However, individuals who change status within the United States may face barriers to reentry if they travel abroad, as the proclamation would then apply at the visa issuance or inspection stage.
Exceptions
While the proclamation imposes sweeping restrictions, it also includes limited exceptions. These include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), dual nationals traveling on passports from non-restricted countries, diplomats, certain family-based immigrant visa applicants with strong documentation, adoptions, U.S. government employees and their families under special visa programs, Afghan special immigrant visas and individuals seeking entry for national interest or humanitarian reasons. Notably, the proclamation does not apply to refugees already admitted to the United States or to those granted asylum, nor does it preclude new asylum or humanitarian claims filed in accordance with U.S. and international law.
Exception for Athletes and Sports-Related Entrants
The proclamation also allows for case-by-case exceptions for professional athletes and essential personnel traveling to the United States to participate in major sporting events, as determined by the Secretary of State. This exception may include players, coaches, medical staff, other critical team members – and their immediate relatives – who are competing under the auspices of recognized leagues, tournaments or international governing bodies. Applicants must demonstrate the significance of the event and the necessity of their presence, and any exception is subject to consular or CBP discretion. Affected individuals should coordinate closely with sponsoring organizations and immigration counsel to ensure timely and well-documented requests.
Future Developments
The proclamation directs an initial review period of 90 days during which the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence, must identify measurable steps that each listed country can take to improve its information-sharing practices and security protocols. This 90-day window is intended to allow the listed governments to engage with the United States and potentially qualify for waivers or modifications of the restrictions based on their response.
Following the initial review, the proclamation mandates a formal reassessment of the list every 180 days. Countries may be removed if they demonstrate meaningful progress in areas such as identity verification, cooperation in repatriation, sharing of criminal or terrorist information and reliability of travel documents. Conversely, other countries may be added to the list if they are found to have deficient vetting practices or pose similar security concerns. The Secretary of State is also instructed to maintain ongoing diplomatic engagement with listed countries to provide guidance and support for compliance with U.S. vetting standards.
Conclusion
This proclamation demonstrates a renewed emphasis on country-specific entry restrictions and enhanced pre-screening procedures in U.S. immigration policy. Foreign nationals from the listed countries, along with U.S. petitioners and sponsors, should seek immediate legal counsel to determine whether existing petitions or visa applications will be affected and whether any exemptions or waiver processes may apply.
If you have questions about how this proclamation may impact your case or your organization, please contact our immigration practice for individualized guidance.