Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Responds to Trump’s June 2025 Travel Ban

Key Takeaways

• President Trump issued a travel ban on June 4, 2025, effective June 9, restricting 12 countries’ immigrant visas.
• The ban also imposes partial visa restrictions on seven additional countries including Cuba and Venezuela.
• Faith leaders condemned the policy for separating families and harming refugees, sparking legal challenges.

On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a new proclamation that has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities, faith organizations, and legal advocates across the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world. The new travel ban, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, restricts entry to the United States 🇺🇸 for nationals from 12 countries—many of which are majority-Muslim—and imposes additional visa restrictions on seven more countries. The move is part of a broader immigration crackdown that has included mass deportation plans, tighter asylum rules, and the rollback of humanitarian pathways.

The ban’s announcement has triggered a swift and passionate response from religious leaders, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church, who condemned the policy for its humanitarian and moral consequences. As the effective date approaches, families, refugees, and mixed-status households are left scrambling for answers and support, while legal experts prepare for a new wave of court challenges.

What the New Travel Ban Means

The June 2025 travel ban, issued by President Donald Trump, is one of the most sweeping immigration restrictions in recent U.S. history. It suspends the issuance of immigrant visas—which allow people to move permanently to the United States 🇺🇸—for nationals of the following 12 countries:

• Afghanistan
• Chad
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Myanmar
• Republic of the Congo
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

In addition to these full bans, the proclamation imposes partial visa restrictions on seven more countries, including Cuba and Venezuela. The restrictions apply to both immigrants (those seeking to live permanently in the United States 🇺🇸) and nonimmigrants (those seeking temporary entry, such as students, tourists, or workers), although the exact rules vary by country and visa type.

Key details:
– Ban issued: June 4, 2025
– Ban effective: June 9, 2025
– Countries affected: 19 (12 full bans, 7 partial restrictions)
– Applies to: Immigrant and nonimmigrant visas

According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this ban marks a dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement, affecting millions of people worldwide and disrupting established legal and humanitarian pathways.

Why Was the Ban Issued?

President Donald Trump and his administration have justified the travel ban on several grounds:
– National security: Officials claim the ban is necessary to protect the United States 🇺🇸 from terrorism and other threats.
– Foreign policy: The administration argues that some countries have failed to cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts or have high rates of visa overstays.
– Extreme vetting: Executive Order 14161, issued earlier in 2025, restored strict screening standards and required agencies to identify “high-risk” countries for possible entry restrictions.

In public statements, President Donald Trump said the ban is needed to “keep America safe” and to ensure that only those who “respect our laws and values” are allowed to enter.

Faith Leaders Respond: Presiding Bishop’s Letter

The announcement of the travel ban drew immediate and forceful criticism from faith leaders across the country. On June 11, 2025, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church released a letter condemning the policy. He was joined by other prominent religious figures, including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Presiding Bishop Curry’s main points:
– The ban will separate families and prevent refugees from finding safety.
– It undermines the church’s mission to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable.
– The policy is inconsistent with Christian values of compassion and hospitality.

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton echoed these concerns, stating, “This expanded policy separates families from loved ones already here. Further, it prevents people—especially those escaping perilous or life-threatening situations in several of these nations—from coming to safety in the U.S. It does not enhance our safety or reflect our vocation as Christians.”

Other faith-based organizations, such as the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have also spoken out, warning that the ban will stoke fear and anxiety among immigrants and harm the most vulnerable.

How the Ban Affects Immigrants and Families

The practical effects of the travel ban are far-reaching and deeply personal for many families. Here’s how different groups are impacted:

Family Separation

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents with relatives in the affected countries will not be able to sponsor family members for immigrant visas.
• Mixed-status families—where some members are U.S. citizens and others are not—face increased anxiety and uncertainty. Some fear traveling abroad, worried they may not be allowed to return.

Refugees and Asylees

• The ban suspends green card processing for refugees and asylees from the listed countries. Many who have already been living in the United States 🇺🇸 for years now face the risk of being unable to secure permanent residency.
• If these individuals cannot renew their temporary status, they may become vulnerable to deportation.

Students, Workers, and Visitors

• Nonimmigrant visa restrictions vary by country and visa type, but many students, workers, and visitors from the affected countries will find it much harder—or impossible—to enter the United States 🇺🇸.

Churches and Faith Communities

• Many faith leaders report increased distress among immigrant congregants.
• Churches are mobilizing to provide legal and humanitarian support, including connecting people with lawyers and offering emotional support.

Legal Challenges and Uncertainty

• Several executive orders, including the travel ban, are already facing legal challenges in federal court.
• Temporary injunctions could delay or alter the ban’s implementation, but for now, the policy is set to take effect as planned.

What Should Affected Individuals Do?

If you or your family are affected by the new travel ban, here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Check Your Country’s Status: Find out if your country is on the list of 12 with a full ban or among the 7 with partial restrictions.
2. Review Visa Options: Immigrant visa processing is suspended for nationals of the 12 countries. Nonimmigrant visa restrictions depend on your country and visa type.
3. Seek Legal Help: If you are in the United States 🇺🇸 and your status may be affected, or if you are abroad and seeking entry, contact a qualified immigration attorney immediately. Legal aid organizations and faith-based groups may offer free or low-cost help.
4. Connect with Support Networks: Reach out to local churches, advocacy groups, or legal aid organizations for information and support.
5. Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed about possible legal developments or changes to the ban’s implementation. Court challenges are ongoing and could affect how the policy is enforced.

For official information on visa policies and updates, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

The Broader Immigration Crackdown

The travel ban is just one part of a wider set of immigration restrictions under President Donald Trump’s administration. Other recent actions include:

• Mass Deportation Plans: The administration has announced plans to increase deportations, especially for those with expired visas or denied asylum claims.
• Asylum Restrictions: The CBP One app, which allowed migrants to book legal asylum appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border, was abruptly terminated, leaving tens of thousands stranded.
• Suspension of Refugee Admissions: Green card processing for refugees and asylees has been suspended, citing national security concerns.
• Extreme Vetting: Executive Order 14161 restored strict screening and required agencies to identify high-risk countries.

These measures have led to a sharp drop in border apprehensions. In March 2025, there were just 7,181 apprehensions at the southwest border—a 95% decrease from March 2024. While the administration points to this as evidence of success, critics argue it comes at a steep human cost.

Multiple Perspectives on the Ban

The travel ban has sparked intense debate among different groups:

Historical Context: From the “Muslim Ban” to Today

This is not the first time the United States 🇺🇸 has imposed such restrictions. In 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term, the administration introduced the original “Muslim Ban” (Executive Order 13769), which targeted several majority-Muslim countries. That policy was challenged in court and partially upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

The Biden administration later reversed many of these restrictions, expanded asylum access, and created new humanitarian programs. However, after returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump quickly reinstated and expanded travel bans, suspended refugee admissions, and prioritized enforcement through a series of executive orders.

The current ban is broader than previous versions, affecting more countries and a wider range of visa categories.

Looking Ahead: Legal and Policy Developments

The future of the travel ban remains uncertain. Several executive orders, including those related to birthright citizenship and the travel ban, are being challenged in federal court. Temporary injunctions could delay or change how the ban is enforced.

Advocacy groups warn that the administration’s broader agenda, known as Project 2025, could further restrict asylum, legal immigration, and expand executive power over immigration enforcement. While there has been talk of possible reforms—such as a “Gold Card” investor visa or changes to farmworker visas—the main focus remains on enforcement and restriction.

Churches and advocacy groups are mobilizing to provide legal aid, humanitarian support, and public advocacy against the ban. The coming months will likely see continued legal battles, public protests, and efforts to support those affected.

Resources and Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is affected by the travel ban or other recent immigration changes, the following organizations can provide information and support:

• Episcopal Church Public Affairs: episcopalchurch.org
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA): Contact Candice Hill Buchbinder at [email protected]
• Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC): cliniclegal.org
• Democracy Forward (legal advocacy): Email [email protected]
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): uscis.gov

Action Steps for Stakeholders

• Immigrants and Families: Check your visa status, seek legal advice, and stay connected with support networks.
• Employers and Schools: Review the impact on employees or students from affected countries and provide guidance or referrals to legal resources.
• Faith Communities: Continue to offer support, advocacy, and practical help to those in need.
• Advocates and Legal Experts: Monitor court developments and be ready to assist with legal challenges or humanitarian relief.

Conclusion

The June 2025 travel ban issued by President Donald Trump represents a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, with immediate and long-term effects for millions of people. As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other faith leaders have made clear, the policy raises deep moral and humanitarian questions. While legal challenges and advocacy efforts continue, those affected are urged to seek legal help, stay informed, and connect with organizations offering support.

For the latest official information on immigration policies and forms, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation is evolving quickly, and staying updated is essential for anyone impacted by these sweeping changes.

Learn Today

Travel Ban → An official restriction on entry to a country for nationals from certain countries.
Immigrant Visa → A visa allowing a foreign national to live permanently in the United States.
Nonimmigrant Visa → A visa for temporary entry such as tourism, study, or work in the U.S.
Executive Order 14161 → A 2025 order enforcing strict screening to identify high-risk countries for entry restrictions.
Mixed-Status Families → Families where members have different immigration statuses, creating complexities during travel restrictions.

This Article in a Nutshell

President Trump’s June 2025 travel ban restricts visas for nationals of 19 countries, disrupting families and immigration pathways. Faith leaders condemn its humanitarian impact, while legal experts prepare for court challenges aimed at protecting affected immigrants and refugees.
— By VisaVerge.com