Key Takeaways
• Trump’s June 9, 2025 travel ban blocks visas and entry from 12 countries, including Myanmar.
• Partial visa restrictions apply for seven additional countries with existing visas still valid.
• Burmese American families face severe reunification delays amid Myanmar’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
On June 9, 2025, a new chapter in United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy began as President Trump’s latest travel ban took effect. This sweeping order, announced just five days earlier, blocks or restricts entry for people from 19 countries, including Myanmar. The move has left many families, especially those fleeing violence and hardship, in sudden limbo. Among the most affected are Burmese American families who have spent years—sometimes decades—trying to reunite with loved ones escaping Myanmar’s ongoing civil war.
What Is the Trump Travel Ban and Who Does It Affect?
President Trump’s new travel ban is a presidential proclamation that completely blocks both immigrant and non-immigrant visas—as well as legal entry—from 12 countries. It also places partial restrictions on certain visas from seven other countries. The ban uses the same legal powers as earlier travel bans from President Trump’s first term, specifically sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These sections allow the president to stop people from entering the United States 🇺🇸 if their entry is seen as harmful to the country’s interests.
Full Ban Countries
People from the following 12 countries are now fully barred from getting new visas or entering the United States 🇺🇸:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Partial Ban Countries
Seven countries face partial restrictions. This means only certain types of visas are blocked, or only some people are affected:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Important: If you already have a valid visa from one of these countries, you should still be able to enter the United States 🇺🇸. The ban does not cancel visas that were issued before June 9, 2025. However, anyone applying for a new visa from these countries will likely be denied unless they qualify for a rare exemption.
For more details on visa types and eligibility, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa information page.
Why Did President Trump Issue This Travel Ban?
The Trump administration says the travel ban is needed for three main reasons:
- Inadequate Vetting and Information Sharing: The United States 🇺🇸 claims that some countries do not share enough information to properly check the identity and background of visa applicants. Without this data, U.S. officials say they cannot be sure who is coming into the country.
2. High Visa Overstay Rates: According to a 2023 report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, people from some countries stay in the United States 🇺🇸 after their visas expire at rates the government finds unacceptable.
- Recalcitrant Countries: Some countries on the list have refused to take back their citizens who have been ordered to leave the United States 🇺🇸 after being denied asylum or found to be in the country unlawfully.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson explained that the policy is meant to protect the safety of Americans, saying it is in the “best interest of the American people and their safety.”
The Human Cost: A Burmese American Family’s Story
While the government’s reasons focus on security and law enforcement, the travel ban’s real impact is felt most deeply by families. One Burmese American woman, age 51, has been waiting over 15 years to bring her brother and sister-in-law to safety in the United States 🇺🇸. The family’s hope was to escape the violence and forced military service in Myanmar, where a civil war has torn the country apart.
Just one day after buying plane tickets for her relatives, President Trump announced the new travel ban. Myanmar was on the list. The woman and her husband, both U.S. citizens, described feeling as if the “rug [was] pulled out from under us in an instant” when they were so close to securing safety for their loved ones.
Their main fear now is that, even with valid visas, their family members could face problems at the airport or border. “It’s terrifying to think that they could be randomly picked up because somebody had a bad day at the office, or somebody didn’t do their job or didn’t believe that their visa was true,” the woman said.
This story is not unique. Many Burmese American families are now left with no clear path to reunite with relatives who are in danger.
The Crisis in Myanmar: Why People Are Fleeing
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Since a military coup in 2021 and a sharp rise in fighting since October 2023, millions have been forced from their homes.
Key facts about the crisis:
- 19.9 million people in Myanmar will need humanitarian help in 2025, including 6.3 million children.
- Nearly 3.5 million people are displaced inside Myanmar, with about one-third being children.
- Over 15 million people are expected to face food shortages in 2025.
- The United Nations is asking for $1.1 billion to help 5.5 million people in Myanmar survive this year.
The violence and hardship have pushed many to flee to neighboring countries:
- Bangladesh: 1,133,981 refugees (as of April 30, 2025)
- India: 83,400 refugees (as of March 31, 2025)
- Indonesia: 3,200 refugees (as of March 31, 2025)
- Malaysia: 177,000 refugees (as of April 30, 2025)
- Thailand: 81,000 refugees (as of May 31, 2025)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called on all countries to let people fleeing Myanmar seek safety and to respect the international rule that no one should be sent back to a place where they face danger (the principle of “non-refoulement”).
How the Ban Changes Immigration for Burmese Americans
For the Burmese American community, the Trump travel ban is a major setback. Many have spent years, even decades, working through the long and complicated U.S. immigration process to bring family members to safety. The ban now blocks most new applications from Myanmar, leaving families separated and at risk.
What Happens to Pending and Approved Visas?
- Visas issued before June 9, 2025: These should remain valid. People with these visas can still travel to the United States 🇺🇸, but there are concerns about possible confusion or mistakes at entry points.
- New visa applications: These will be denied unless the applicant qualifies for a very limited exemption. The criteria for exemptions are strict and not widely available.
- Family reunification: The ban makes it almost impossible for Burmese Americans to sponsor relatives still in Myanmar, unless they already have approved visas.
Concerns About Implementation
Many families worry that even those with valid visas could be turned away at the airport or border. There is fear that mistakes or misunderstandings could lead to people being detained or sent back, especially if border officials are not fully aware of the rules.
Broader Reactions and Criticism
The Trump travel ban has drawn strong criticism from humanitarian groups and international organizations. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) called the ban “discriminatory and harmful,” pointing out that many of the affected countries are already facing severe crises. Myanmar, for example, is third on the IRC’s 2025 Emergency Watchlist of countries most at risk of worsening emergencies.
UNHCR has urged all countries to keep their doors open to people fleeing Myanmar and to respect their right to seek asylum. The agency has also asked for $383.1 million in 2025 to help with the emergency in Myanmar.
Inside the United States 🇺🇸, the ban has added to growing debate over President Trump’s tough approach to immigration. Some government workers, including scientists at the National Institutes of Health, have spoken out against policies they say hurt public health and waste resources.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Their Families?
The Trump travel ban has immediate and long-term effects for people from Myanmar and other listed countries:
- Families remain separated: Many who have waited years to reunite with loved ones now face even longer delays, or may never be able to bring their relatives to the United States 🇺🇸.
- People fleeing danger are left with fewer options: Refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar, already facing violence and hardship, now have one less safe country to turn to.
- Uncertainty and fear: Even those with valid visas worry about being stopped or questioned at the border, adding stress to an already difficult journey.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the ban’s impact is especially harsh for people from countries in crisis, like Myanmar, where the need for safety and family reunification is greatest.
What Can Affected Individuals Do?
If you or your family are affected by the Trump travel ban, here are some steps to consider:
- Check your visa status: If you already have a valid visa, you should still be able to enter the United States 🇺🇸. However, be prepared for possible questions or delays at the border.
- Consult an immigration lawyer: The rules are complex and can change quickly. A qualified immigration attorney can help you understand your options and rights.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like the U.S. Department of State and trusted immigration news outlets.
- Document everything: Keep copies of all paperwork, emails, and receipts related to your visa application and travel plans.
- Advocate and connect: Join community groups or advocacy organizations that support immigrants and refugees. They can provide information, resources, and a sense of solidarity.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Policy and Human Lives
The Trump travel ban is part of a larger debate about how the United States 🇺🇸 balances security with its long tradition of welcoming people fleeing danger. For Burmese American families and others from affected countries, the policy is not just about paperwork or politics—it is about the safety and future of their loved ones.
As the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar continues, the need for safe pathways to reunite families and protect the vulnerable remains urgent. The travel ban has made these pathways narrower, leaving many to face an uncertain future.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
If you are a Burmese American or have family in Myanmar, the new travel ban may feel overwhelming. While the situation is difficult, it is important to stay informed, seek legal advice, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Immigration policies can change, and advocacy efforts can make a difference over time.
For the latest updates on visa policies, official forms, and your rights, always refer to trusted government sources and legal professionals. The journey may be long, but you are not alone—many are working to support families and uphold the values of safety, compassion, and family unity.
Key Takeaways:
– The Trump travel ban, effective June 9, 2025, blocks most new visas from Myanmar and 18 other countries.
– Burmese American families are among those most affected, with many now unable to reunite with loved ones fleeing Myanmar’s civil war.
– The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar continues to worsen, making safe immigration pathways more important than ever.
– Those with valid visas issued before the ban should still be able to enter the United States 🇺🇸, but new visa applications will be denied except in rare cases.
– Stay informed, seek legal help, and connect with community resources to navigate these changes.
For more information on current U.S. visa policies and forms, visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa information page.
Learn Today
Travel Ban → A government restriction blocking or limiting entry of foreign nationals from designated countries.
Non-immigrant Visa → Temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for specific short-term purposes.
Immigrant Visa → Visa permitting permanent residency and eventual citizenship in the United States.
Non-refoulement → International law principle that forbids returning refugees to places where they face danger.
Exemption → A rare exception allowing certain individuals to bypass travel restrictions under strict criteria.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 9, 2025, Trump’s travel ban halted immigrant visas from Myanmar and 18 others. Burmese American families now struggle to reunite loved ones fleeing brutal conflict and displacement amid ongoing civil war and worsening crises in Myanmar.
— By VisaVerge.com
