Trump Signs Travel Ban on Entry from 12 Countries, Adds Restrictions on 7 More

Key Takeaways

• President Trump signed a travel ban on June 4, 2025, blocking entry from 12 countries.
• Partial restrictions apply to 7 additional countries mainly affecting tourist and student visas.
• The ban is based on national security concerns and legal authority under Section 212(f).

On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping new travel ban that blocks entry into the United States 🇺🇸 for people from 12 countries and sets partial restrictions on 7 more. The policy, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, 2025, marks one of the most significant moves on immigration since President Trump returned to office. The administration says the travel ban is needed to protect national security and public safety, especially after a recent terror-linked attack in Boulder, Colorado. However, the decision has sparked strong reactions from immigrant rights groups, higher education leaders, and foreign governments.

Let’s break down what this travel ban means, who it affects, why it was put in place, and what steps people from the listed countries should take next.

Who Is Affected by the New Travel Ban?

The travel ban covers a total of 19 countries. There are two main groups:

1. Countries with a Full Ban (12 countries):
– Afghanistan
– Burma (Myanmar)
– Chad
– Republic of the Congo
– Equatorial Guinea
– Eritrea
– Haiti
– Iran
– Libya
– Somalia
– Sudan
– Yemen

People from these countries are not allowed to enter the United States 🇺🇸 for most visa types. This includes tourist, student, work, and family visas.

2. Countries with Partial Restrictions (7 countries):
– Burundi
– Cuba
– Laos
– Sierra Leone
– Togo
– Turkmenistan
– Venezuela

For these countries, the restrictions are more targeted. They usually affect certain visa types, such as tourist and student visas, but do not block all travel. The exact visa categories affected can change, so it’s important to check the latest updates from the U.S. Department of State.

Why Did President Trump Sign the Travel Ban?

President Trump says the travel ban is about keeping the United States 🇺🇸 safe. In his words, “We will restore the travel ban—some people call it the Trump travel ban—and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country.” The White House says the policy is a “common-sense move” to address ongoing risks, including:
– High rates of people overstaying their visas
– Countries not cooperating with deportations
– Countries not sharing important security information

National security agencies spent months reviewing which countries have weak screening systems, high visa overstay rates, or do not work well with the United States 🇺🇸 on security issues. The administration says this data-driven approach is needed to pressure foreign governments to improve their cooperation.

Legal Authority and Background

The travel ban was issued under Executive Order 14161, called “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” This order was signed on January 20, 2025, the day President Trump returned to office.

The legal power for this move comes from Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This law gives the president broad authority to block entry to the United States 🇺🇸 for people from certain countries if it is believed to be in the national interest. The Supreme Court confirmed this authority in the 2018 Trump v. Hawaii decision, making it hard for legal challenges to succeed quickly.

What Are the Practical Effects?

The travel ban will have immediate and wide-reaching effects for many people:

• Travelers, students, and businesspeople from the 12 fully banned countries will not be able to enter the United States 🇺🇸 for most reasons.
• Families may be separated if loved ones are unable to join them in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Visa applicants from the 7 partially restricted countries will face more checks and possible delays, especially for tourist and student visas.
• Airports and U.S. embassies may see confusion and long lines, similar to what happened during the first travel ban in 2017.

Who Is Exempt from the Ban?

There are some important exceptions to the travel ban:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders): People who already have a green card can still enter the United States 🇺🇸.
• Existing visa holders: If you already have a valid visa, you are generally allowed to enter.
• Certain visa categories: Diplomatic visas and United Nations-related visas are usually not affected.
• National interest waivers: In special cases, people can apply for a waiver if they can show that not letting them in would cause serious hardship, that they do not pose a threat, and that their entry would help the United States 🇺🇸.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Individuals

If you or your family are from one of the listed countries, here’s what you should do:

1. Check Your Country’s Status: Find out if your country is on the full ban or partial restriction list.
2. Review Your Visa Category: If you are from a partially restricted country, check which visa types are affected. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Information page has the latest details.
3. If You Have a Green Card or Valid Visa: You are generally exempt, but carry proof of your status and check for any updates before traveling.
4. If You Are Applying for a New Visa: Applications from affected countries will be denied unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.
5. Waiver Process: You can apply for a waiver if you can show:
   • You would suffer serious hardship if not allowed in
   • You do not pose a security threat
   • Your entry would be in the national interest
     The waiver process is handled case by case. For more information, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
6. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: For help with your specific case, reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

How Did We Get Here? A Brief History of the Travel Ban

The idea of a travel ban is not new. Here’s a quick timeline:

• 2017: President Trump signed his first travel ban, which targeted seven mostly Muslim countries. The sudden rollout caused chaos at airports and led to protests and lawsuits.
• 2018: After several changes, the Supreme Court upheld a narrower version of the ban in Trump v. Hawaii.
• 2020: More countries were added under a new proclamation.
• 2021: President Biden ended the travel bans.
• 2025: President Trump, after returning to office, signed Executive Order 14161, leading to the current, expanded travel ban.

What Are the Main Arguments For and Against the Ban?

Supporters (Trump Administration and Allies):
– Say the ban is needed to protect national security and public safety.
– Argue that it pressures foreign governments to work better with the United States 🇺🇸 on security and immigration.
– Point to the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision as proof that the policy is legal.

Critics (Immigrant Rights Groups, Higher Education Leaders, Some Foreign Governments):
– Say the ban is discriminatory, especially against Muslims and people from poor or unstable countries.
– Warn that it separates families and harms refugees fleeing violence.
– Worry that it will hurt the United States 🇺🇸’s image around the world and make it harder for international students and scholars to come.

What Does This Mean for Students and Universities?

Universities and colleges in the United States 🇺🇸 are concerned that the travel ban will scare away international students and scholars. Many students from the affected countries may not be able to start or continue their studies. This could hurt both the students and the schools, which rely on international students for diversity and funding.

What About Legal Challenges?

While many groups are expected to challenge the travel ban in court, legal experts say the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision makes it hard to overturn quickly. The president has broad power to block entry for national security reasons, as long as the policy is not clearly based on religious or racial discrimination.

How Long Will the Ban Last?

The travel ban does not have a set end date. It will be reviewed from time to time, and countries can be added or removed based on whether they improve their cooperation with the United States 🇺🇸. This means the list of banned or restricted countries could change in the future.

What Should People from Affected Countries Do Now?

• Stay informed: Check the U.S. Department of State and U.S. embassy websites for updates.
• Keep documents ready: If you are exempt (such as a green card holder), carry proof of your status.
• Consider legal help: If you think you qualify for a waiver or have a special case, talk to an immigration lawyer.
• Plan ahead: If you need to travel, be prepared for possible delays and extra checks.

Multiple Perspectives: What Are Different Groups Saying?

What Are the Next Steps for the Policy?

• Legal and Political Backlash: Lawsuits and protests are likely, but the policy may stay in place for now.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Some countries may respond with their own restrictions or protests.
• Periodic Review: The administration will review the list of countries and may make changes based on how countries cooperate.
• Impact on Immigration: The ban will continue to affect families, students, and workers from the listed countries.

Where Can You Find Official Information?

For the latest updates, visa guidance, and details on exemptions or waivers, visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa page. This official site provides up-to-date information on travel restrictions, visa categories, and embassy contacts.

Summary and Takeaways

President Donald Trump’s June 2025 travel ban is one of the most far-reaching immigration policies in recent years. It blocks entry for people from 12 countries and sets partial restrictions on 7 more, all in the name of national security. The policy is based on laws that give the president wide power to control who can enter the United States 🇺🇸, and the Supreme Court has already upheld similar bans in the past.

While the administration says the travel ban is needed to keep the country safe, critics warn that it harms families, students, and refugees, and could damage the United States 🇺🇸’s reputation around the world. The policy is set to last indefinitely, with regular reviews to see if countries can be removed from the list.

If you are from one of the affected countries, check your visa status, stay informed, and consider seeking legal advice if you think you may qualify for an exemption or waiver. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the new travel ban is likely to shape immigration, travel, and international relations for years to come.

Actionable Steps:
– Check if your country is affected and which visa types are restricted.
– Visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa page for official updates.
– If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 with a green card or valid visa, you are generally safe but should carry proof of your status.
– If you need to apply for a waiver, gather documents showing hardship, your background, and why your entry is in the national interest.
– Stay in touch with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for the latest guidance.

The travel ban is a major development in U.S. immigration policy, with real effects on people’s lives, families, and futures. Stay informed, know your rights, and seek help if you need it.

Learn Today

Travel Ban → A government order that restricts entry to a country based on nationality for security reasons.
Executive Order 14161 → A presidential directive signed in 2025 imposing travel restrictions for national security.
Section 212(f) → Part of U.S. immigration law granting the president power to restrict entry from specific countries.
Visa Waiver → An exemption allowing certain individuals to enter the U.S. despite travel restrictions under specific conditions.
Green Card Holder → A lawful permanent resident who has authorization to live and work in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a travel ban blocking entry from 12 countries and restricting 7 more, citing national security. Exemptions exist for green card holders and valid visa holders. This policy marks a significant shift affecting travelers, families, students, and diplomacy with long-term implications.
— By VisaVerge.com