Trump Signs Sweeping Travel Ban Affecting 19 Countries

President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, implementing a comprehensive travel ban that bars entry to the United States for nationals from 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on seven additional nations. The administration cites national security concerns and inadequate identity verification systems as the primary reasons for the new measures.

President Donald Trump official white house portrait

The full travel ban applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These individuals are prohibited from entering the U.S. under both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories.

Partial restrictions have been placed on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. While these individuals are barred from obtaining immigrant visas and certain nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourism and study, they may still be eligible for some temporary work visas.

The proclamation is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Monday, June 9, 2025. Exemptions include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes participating in major international sporting events, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests.

President Trump stated that the decision was influenced by a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, involving an Egyptian national who had overstayed his visa. Although Egypt is not among the countries listed in the ban, the incident underscored concerns about visa overstays and inadequate vetting processes.

The administration also highlighted high visa overstay rates and unreliable identity verification procedures in the affected countries. For instance, the Department of Homeland Security reported that Chad had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 49.54%, while Equatorial Guinea had an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 70.18%.

Critics argue that the ban disproportionately affects Muslim-majority and African nations, potentially straining diplomatic relations and impacting humanitarian efforts. The African Union Commission expressed concern over the potential negative impact on educational exchanges, commercial engagement, and broader diplomatic relations.

Legal challenges are anticipated, though the administration points to the 2018 Supreme Court decision in Trump v. Hawaii, which upheld the president's authority to impose travel restrictions based on national security considerations.

This move marks a significant expansion of the travel restrictions initially implemented during Trump's first term, reflecting a continued focus on stringent immigration and national security policies.