As of August 2, 2025, many green card holders in the United States 🇺🇸 have put off or canceled international travel plans. This follows new U.S. government advisories and a sweeping travel ban announced in June 2025. The move has caused confusion and anxiety, especially among those originally from countries named in the ban. Even though lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are officially exempt, the real-world effects of the policy are being felt at airports and border crossings across the country.
On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation under Executive Order 14161. This order, which took effect on June 9, 2025, blocks entry for nationals from 19 countries. The administration says the ban is needed for national security and public safety. The order splits the affected countries into two groups: those facing a full ban and those facing a partial ban.
Countries Facing Full and Partial Bans
The full ban applies to Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. For these countries, all visa categories are suspended. The partial ban affects Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. For these, immigrant visas and several nonimmigrant visas—like B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor)—are suspended. Consular officers have also been told to shorten the length of other nonimmigrant visas for people from these countries to the legal minimum.
Green Card Holders: Officially Exempt, Practically Affected
The travel ban does not apply to green card holders, no matter which country they are from. In theory, this means LPRs can travel freely. However, the U.S. government and many immigration attorneys are urging green card holders from affected countries to avoid international travel unless it is absolutely necessary. The reason is simple: even though the law says they are exempt, the reality at the border can be very different.
Many green card holders have reported increased questioning, longer wait times, and more frequent referrals to secondary inspection when returning to the United States 🇺🇸. Some fear that a simple misunderstanding or a sudden change in how the rules are applied could leave them stranded outside the country or facing legal trouble.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, “Many green card holders are choosing to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 rather than risk being caught up in confusion or delays at the border, even though they are technically allowed to travel.”
Why Are Green Card Holders So Worried?
- Heightened Scrutiny: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are paying closer attention to green card holders, especially those who have spent long periods outside the country or who cannot easily prove they live and work in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Secondary Inspection: More green card holders are being sent to secondary inspection, where officers ask detailed questions about their time abroad, U.S. tax filings, property ownership, and employment.
- Risk of Misapplication: There is concern that CBP officers might misapply the travel ban or interpret the rules differently, especially as policies continue to change.
- Uncertainty and Fear: The rapid rollout of the ban, with only five days between announcement and enforcement, has left many people unsure about what to expect.
Practical Steps for Green Card Holders
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are offering the following advice to green card holders from affected countries:
President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation under Executive Order 14161
Travel ban took effect
Many green card holders put off or canceled travel plans
Legal challenges to the travel ban ongoing
Department of State and Department of Homeland Security reviewing the policy
- Avoid Non-Essential Travel: If you do not need to leave the United States 🇺🇸, it is safer to stay put until the situation becomes clearer.
- Prepare Documentation: If travel is unavoidable, carry your green card, passport, and, if you plan to be abroad for more than six months, a re-entry permit. You can apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131 before you leave. Also, bring proof of U.S. residence, employment, tax filings, and strong ties to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Consult an Attorney: Before making any travel plans, talk to a qualified immigration attorney who can give you the latest advice based on your specific situation.
- Monitor Official Updates: Keep an eye on official government sources, such as the U.S. Department of State Visa News, for changes to the list of banned countries or entry procedures.
What Happens at the Border?
CBP officers are now more likely to ask green card holders about:
- How long they have been outside the United States 🇺🇸
- Whether they have filed U.S. taxes
- If they own property or have a job in the United States 🇺🇸
- Their reasons for travel and plans to return
If a green card holder cannot show strong ties to the United States 🇺🇸, or if they have been away for more than 180 days, they may be sent to secondary inspection. In some cases, this can lead to a referral to immigration court, where their right to keep their green card could be questioned.
IRS and Immigration Coordination
There is now more sharing of information between the IRS and immigration authorities. If a green card holder has not filed U.S. taxes, this can be a red flag during re-entry. Immigration attorneys stress the importance of keeping up with tax filings and being able to show proof if asked.
Impact on Families and Communities
The travel ban and the resulting uncertainty have had a big impact on families, businesses, and communities. Many green card holders have family members, property, or business interests in affected countries. The fear of being unable to return to the United States 🇺🇸 has forced some to miss important family events, delay business trips, or even put off urgent medical care abroad.
One immigration attorney shared, “We have clients who have not seen their parents in years, but they are too afraid to leave the country now. The risk of being stuck outside the United States 🇺🇸 is just too high.”
Government and Advocacy Group Perspectives
The U.S. government says the travel ban is needed to protect national security and public safety. Officials argue that the policy targets countries with weak security systems or high levels of terrorist activity.
However, immigration lawyers and advocacy groups say the policy is too broad and creates unnecessary fear. They point out that green card holders, who have already passed strict background checks, should not have to worry about being denied re-entry.
Legal Challenges and Future Changes
Several lawsuits have been filed to challenge the new travel ban, but as of August 2, 2025, the main parts of the policy remain in place. The Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security are reviewing the policy and may issue more guidance in the coming months. There is also talk of adding more countries to the banned list later in 2025.
What Should Green Card Holders Do Now?
- Stay Informed: Check official sources regularly for updates.
- Keep Records: Maintain up-to-date records of your U.S. residence, employment, and tax filings.
- Plan Ahead: If you must travel, prepare all necessary documents and consult an attorney.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Allow extra time for re-entry and expect more questions at the border.
Summary of Key Steps for Green Card Holders (as of August 2025):
- Avoid non-essential international travel if you are from or have ties to a banned country, even if you are a green card holder.
- If travel is unavoidable: Carry your green card, passport, re-entry permit (if applicable), proof of U.S. residence, employment, tax filings, and evidence of strong ties to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Consult an immigration attorney before travel for the latest guidance and risk assessment.
- Monitor official government updates for any changes to the list of affected countries or entry procedures.
Looking Ahead
The situation for green card holders remains uncertain. While they are officially exempt from the June 2025 travel ban, the real-world risks at the border have led many to put their travel plans on hold. The policy has created a sense of fear and confusion, even among those who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years.
As the government continues to review the policy and legal challenges move through the courts, green card holders should stay alert and take steps to protect their status. For the latest official information, visit the U.S. Department of State Visa News.
While the Presidential Proclamation and travel ban have brought new challenges, careful planning and staying informed can help green card holders reduce risks and protect their ability to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸.
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