Key Takeaways
• New travel ban effective June 9, 2025, restricts 19 countries including 12 full and 7 partial bans.
• Los Angeles sees daily protests; bans impact families, businesses, students, and refugees.
• Trump’s stricter immigration policies include border security, asylum limits, birthright citizenship challenges.
Sweeping New Travel Ban and Immigration Crackdown Under President Donald Trump: Los Angeles Protests and National Impact
President Donald Trump’s second term has brought a wave of new immigration policies, with the most dramatic being a new travel ban affecting 19 countries. This ban, which took effect on June 9, 2025, has sparked protests in Los Angeles and drawn strong reactions from across the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world. The administration says these actions are needed for national security, but critics argue they are too harsh and hurt families, businesses, and communities.
This article explains what the new travel ban means, why it was put in place, who is affected, and how these changes fit into President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda. It also looks at how people in Los Angeles and other cities are responding, and what might come next for immigrants, employers, and families.
What Is the New Travel Ban and Who Does It Affect?
On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that reinstated and expanded travel restrictions. The new travel ban went into effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time. This ban is one of the most sweeping in recent history, fully blocking entry for people from twelve countries and placing partial restrictions on seven more.
Countries Fully Restricted:
– Afghanistan
– Burma
– Chad
– Republic of the Congo
– Equatorial Guinea
– Eritrea
– Haiti
– Iran
– Libya
– Somalia
– Sudan
– Yemen
Countries with Partial Restrictions:
– Burundi
– Cuba
– Laos
– Sierra Leone
– Togo
– Turkmenistan
– Venezuela
For people from the twelve fully restricted countries, almost all travel to the United States 🇺🇸 is now blocked. For the seven countries with partial restrictions, some types of travel are still allowed, but there are new limits and extra checks.
Why Did President Donald Trump Issue This Travel Ban?
The Trump administration says the travel ban is needed to protect national security. Officials point to several reasons:
– Some countries do not have strong systems for checking people’s backgrounds.
– There are high rates of people overstaying their visas from these countries in 2022 and 2023.
– Some governments do not share enough information about their citizens or possible threats.
– The administration wants to make sure only people who can be fully checked and cleared are allowed to enter.
The State Department sent instructions to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world on June 6, 2025. These instructions say that visa appointments should still be scheduled for people from the affected countries, but most visas must be refused unless the person qualifies for a specific exception.
Who Is Exempt from the Travel Ban?
While the travel ban is very broad, there are some important exceptions. People who are not affected by the ban include:
– Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
– People who already have valid U.S. visas
– Certain diplomats and athletes
– Immediate family members (spouses, children, parents) who can prove their relationship and identity
– Children being adopted by U.S. citizens
– Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders
– Some persecuted minorities from Iran
However, there is no general waiver for urgent humanitarian cases. This means that people facing emergencies, like war or persecution, may not be able to get around the ban unless they fit one of the listed exceptions. Advocacy groups say this could put lives at risk and separate families.
How Does the Travel Ban Affect Los Angeles and Other U.S. Cities?
Los Angeles is home to large immigrant communities from many of the countries on the travel ban list. Since the announcement, there have been daily protests in Los Angeles, with people calling the ban unfair and harmful. Community leaders say the ban will:
– Separate families who are waiting to reunite
– Make it harder for businesses to hire workers from these countries
– Delay or block students and professionals from coming to the United States 🇺🇸
Faith groups, legal aid organizations, and immigrant rights groups in Los Angeles have set up hotlines and legal clinics to help people understand their rights and options. Many are urging Congress and the courts to step in and stop the ban.
What Are the Main Arguments For and Against the Travel Ban?
Supporters of the Ban Say:
– It is needed to keep the country safe from terrorism and crime.
– Some countries do not cooperate with U.S. security checks.
– The President has the legal power to block entry from countries that pose a risk.
Opponents of the Ban Say:
– It unfairly targets people based on their nationality or religion.
– It separates families and hurts people fleeing danger.
– It makes it harder for U.S. businesses and universities to bring in talent.
– It goes against American values of welcome and inclusion.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and other groups warn that the ban will have serious humanitarian effects, especially for refugees and people seeking safety. Immigration lawyers in Los Angeles and other cities say the ban will create confusion, delays, and extra costs for families and employers.
How Does This Travel Ban Fit Into President Donald Trump’s Broader Immigration Policy?
The new travel ban is just one part of a much larger set of immigration changes under President Donald Trump’s second term. Since January 2025, the administration has taken many steps to make immigration rules stricter and increase enforcement.
Key Actions Include:
– Border Security: The administration has used all available resources to stop people from crossing the southern border without permission. This includes building more physical barriers and sending more border agents.
– New Rules for Asylum: People who cross the border without permission are now blocked from asking for asylum or other forms of protection. This is a big change from past policies.
– Birthright Citizenship: President Donald Trump signed an order saying that not all children born in the United States 🇺🇸 automatically get citizenship. This order is being challenged in court and is not currently in effect.
– Refugee Program: The refugee program has been suspended while the administration reviews how it works.
– Tighter Screening: There are new, tougher checks for people applying for visas or trying to enter the country.
Dramatic Drop in Border Crossings
One of the most striking results of these policies is a huge drop in the number of people caught crossing the southwest border. In March 2025, there were only 7,181 apprehensions—a 95% decrease from March 2024. This sharp decline followed the January 20, 2025 “Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion Proclamation,” which made it much harder for people to enter the United States 🇺🇸 without permission.
Legal and Political Challenges
Many of President Donald Trump’s immigration actions have been challenged in court. Democratic states, advocacy groups, and legal organizations argue that some of these policies go beyond what the law allows. The New York City Bar Association has said that these actions “test the limits of executive power.”
The travel ban is based on a law called section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives the President the power to block entry from certain countries. The Supreme Court upheld a similar ban in 2018 in the case Trump v. Hawaii.
Possible Changes to Legal Immigration
While most of the focus has been on making immigration rules stricter, the Trump administration has also talked about a few ways to expand legal immigration for certain groups:
– A proposed “Gold Card” program would offer permanent residency to wealthy investors who pay at least $5 million. This idea would need Congress to pass a new law.
– President Donald Trump has mentioned a possible path to legal status for farmworkers, which could help the agriculture industry.
– The Secretary of Agriculture has said the administration is looking at making it easier for noncitizen farmworkers to get visas, especially through the H-2A program. However, no official proposals have been made yet.
How Are Different Groups Affected?
Immigrants and Families:
People from the affected countries face new barriers to visiting, working, or joining family in the United States 🇺🇸. Many families in Los Angeles and other cities are now separated or uncertain about their future.
Employers:
Businesses that rely on workers or professionals from the banned countries may struggle to fill jobs. Immigration lawyers warn that the new rules will slow down hiring and create more paperwork.
Students and Universities:
Students from the affected countries may not be able to start or continue their studies in the United States 🇺🇸. Universities in Los Angeles and across the country worry about losing talented students and researchers.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
The ban and other new rules make it much harder for people fleeing danger to find safety in the United States 🇺🇸. There are fewer ways to apply for protection, and many cases are now blocked.
What Should People Do If They Are Affected?
If you or your family are from one of the countries on the travel ban list, here are some steps you can take:
– Check your visa status: If you already have a valid visa or green card, you may not be affected. Check the details of your visa and any new updates from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
– Contact a trusted immigration lawyer: Laws and rules are changing quickly. A lawyer can help you understand your options and rights.
– Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like the U.S. Department of State for the latest information on travel bans and visa rules.
– Reach out to local organizations: Many groups in Los Angeles and other cities offer free or low-cost help for immigrants and families.
What Forms and Official Documents Are Involved?
If you are applying for a visa or green card, you may need to fill out forms such as:
– DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
– I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
– I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Always use the official government websites to get the most current forms and instructions.
What Comes Next?
The future of these immigration policies is uncertain. Legal challenges could block or change some of the new rules. Congress may also consider new laws on immigration, especially if there is enough public pressure. For now, President Donald Trump’s administration is focused on enforcement and limiting entry from countries it sees as risky.
Advocacy groups, faith leaders, and many people in Los Angeles and across the United States 🇺🇸 are calling for a more welcoming approach. They argue that America’s strength comes from its diversity and openness to newcomers.
Conclusion and Practical Guidance
The new travel ban and other immigration changes under President Donald Trump are having a big impact on families, businesses, and communities—especially in cities like Los Angeles. If you are affected, it is important to:
– Stay up to date with official news and guidance
– Seek legal help if you have questions about your status or rights
– Connect with local organizations for support
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger shift toward stricter immigration enforcement and fewer legal pathways for many people. The situation is changing quickly, so staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
For more details on the travel ban and other immigration policies, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official travel page.
By understanding the new rules and knowing where to find help, you can make better decisions for yourself and your loved ones during this challenging time.
Learn Today
Travel Ban → Government order restricting entry from specific countries for security or policy reasons.
Proclamation → Official public announcement by the President, often used to enact immigration restrictions.
Visa → Document permitting a foreigner to enter, stay, or work in the United States temporarily or permanently.
Green Card → Official document granting lawful permanent resident status allowing someone to live and work in the U.S.
Section 212(f) → Part of U.S. law giving the President authority to restrict entry from certain countries.
This Article in a Nutshell
President Trump’s 2025 travel ban blocks entry from 19 countries, igniting protests in Los Angeles and disrupting families, workers, and students nationwide. The administration defends it as a security measure, while critics highlight humanitarian and economic harms amid tightened immigration enforcement nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
