President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new travel ban affecting 19 countries, reviving one of his administration’s most controversial policies. The proclamation, announced Wednesday, will take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Which Countries Are Affected?
The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. These 12 nations face complete entry bans for their citizens.
Additionally, the entry of people from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – will be partially restricted.
National Security Justification
Trump says his executive order banning and restricting foreign visitors is in the interest of US ‘national security’. In a video posted on X, Trump stated: “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm.”
After evaluating a report submitted by the Secretary of State, in coordination with other cabinet officials, President Trump has determined that the entry of nationals from certain countries must be restricted or limited to protect U.S. national security and public safety interests.
Implementation Timeline and Flexibility
The travel ban becomes effective on June 9, 2025, with visas issued before that date remaining valid. Trump indicated that the list could be revised and new countries could be added, suggesting the policy may expand further.
Exemptions and Exceptions
While the ban is comprehensive, certain categories may receive exemptions, including immediate family reunification cases with strong documentation, adoption cases, and specific visa categories deemed essential for national interests.
Revival of First-Term Policy
A sweeping new travel ban on citizens from a dozen nations was announced by the White House on Wednesday, reviving a defining effort from the first Trump administration to crack down on entries from specific countries. This marks a return to one of Trump’s signature immigration policies from his previous presidency.
Impact and Scope
The 2025 travel ban affects primarily African and Middle Eastern nations, potentially impacting thousands of visa applicants and family reunification cases. The policy represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement and foreign relations with the affected countries.
The travel ban underscores the Trump administration’s continued focus on restrictive immigration policies, positioning national security concerns as the primary justification for limiting entry from specific nations. As the June 9 implementation date approaches, affected individuals and legal experts are preparing for the policy’s wide-ranging implications on international travel and immigration to the United States.