On June 4, a presidential proclamation announced a complete travel ban on 12 countries and a partial travel ban on 7 countries in order to preserve national security and protect US citizens from terrorist attacks. The bans will go into effect on June 9, 2025. These bans apply to foreign nationals who are outside of the United States and do not hold a valid visa on June 9, 2025.
Complete bans are in effect for Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. All entries by both immigrants and nonimmigrants from these countries are suspended, with the exception of categorical and case-by-case waivers.
Partial bans are in effect for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is suspended. While other nonimmigrant categories may enter, consulates are instructed to reduce the validity of issued visas to the extent permitted by law.
The following categories of individuals are exempt from the ban:
- Current lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
- Individuals with dual nationality;
- Foreign nationals holding valid visas in A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 status;
- Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
- Immediate family immigrant visas with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship;
- Adoptions;
- Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees; and
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
There are also two exceptions made on case-by-case basis. The first permits the Attorney General to exempt certain individuals for whom travel would advance a critical United States national interest involving the Department of Justice, including individuals who must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses. The second permits the Secretary of State to exempt individuals who whom travel would serve a United States national interest.
Visas issued before the effective date of the proclamation, June 9, shall not be revoked.
The proclamation does not apply to individuals granted asylum, refugees already admitted to the US, or individuals granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Please note the above is not specific legal advice, but guidelines on recent changes that have occurred through the date of this memo. For specific issues, please feel free to contact us.
