On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a sweeping Presidential Proclamation Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Threats. Framed as a national security measure, the new policy imposes significant restrictions on the entry of certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders from over 20 countries and introduces institution-specific limitations targeting Harvard University.
The travel ban will take effect Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT.
Full Travel Ban: No Entry Permitted
Nationals of the following countries will be fully barred from entering the U.S. in both immigrant and nonimmigrant categories:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
For nationals of the countries below, the proclamation suspends the issuance of certain visa types, including immigrant, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, and limits the validity of other nonimmigrant visas, likely to the minimum allowed by the reciprocity schedule:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The proclamation directs the Attorney General, DHS Secretary, and Director of National Intelligence to review current conditions in Egypt, signaling the potential for future inclusion.Scope and Applicability
The proclamation applies only to individuals who, as of June 9, 2025:
- Are outside the United States; and
- Do not possess a valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before that date.
Importantly, the proclamation does not revoke valid visas issued prior to June 9, 2025.
Exemptions
The following individuals and categories are exempt from the travel ban:
- U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country
- Holders of the following visas: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6
- Athletes/coaches participating in World Cup, Olympics, or other major international events
- Immediate relative immigrants (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear evidence of relationship
- Adoption visa categories (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders
- U.S. government employees with Special Immigrant Visas
- Immigrants facing religious or ethnic persecution in Iran
- Individuals granted asylum, refugee status, or CAT protection
- Those with withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
The proclamation allows for case-specific exceptions if travel is deemed in the U.S. national interest—such as to participate in criminal proceedings. These decisions may be delegated to consular officers, though such waivers are expected to be granted sparingly and without transparent criteria.Ongoing Review
Within 90 days, and again every 180 days, DHS, DOS, DOJ, and DNI will review the status of affected countries and recommend continuation, modification, or termination of restrictions.
Special Proclamation Targeting Harvard University
A separate proclamation, also issued on June 4, 2025, suspends entry of F, J, and M visa holders who are beginning programs at Harvard University after that date. It also authorizes the revocation of current visas for Harvard-affiliated students in F, J, or M status.
Key points:
- Applies only to students and exchange visitors attending or affiliated with Harvard University
- Students enrolled at other institutions are not affected
- The Secretary of State or DHS may authorize national interest exceptions
- The policy will be reviewed in 90 days for possible extension or amendment
Although styled as an entry ban under INA §212(f), the proclamation is expected to affect visa issuance and appointments at consulates. Visa holders from affected countries may also face difficulties even if their visa remains valid. Many U.S. embassies and consulates may cancel appointments or refuse to issue new visas to nationals of the listed countries.
We continue to closely monitor the implementation of these restrictions. Individuals from affected countries or those with upcoming international travel should consult with legal counsel before making travel plans or scheduling visa appointments.
You can access our previous Client Alerts here.