This document, a Presidential Proclamation issued on June 4, 2025, by President Donald Trump, concerns restrictions on the entry of certain foreign nationals into the United States. Its stated purpose is to protect the U.S. from foreign terrorists and address other national security and public safety threats. This action builds upon a prior Executive Order and reflects an updated assessment of global security risks. The proclamation imposes full entry restrictions on nationals of 12 countries, meaning both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are affected. These countries include:
•Afghanistan
•Burma
•Chad
•Congo
•Eritrea
•Haiti
•Iran
•Libya
•Somalia
•Sudan
•Yemen
•Equatorial Guinea
Additionally, the proclamation implements partial entry restrictions on nationals of 7 other countries. These restrictions primarily affect immigrant visas and specific nonimmigrant visa categories such as B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. These countries are:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The rationale for imposing these restrictions is based on factors such as inadequate screening and vetting processes, high visa overstay rates, lack of cooperation in sharing identity and threat information, and the presence of terrorists in the subject countries.
The proclamation outlines several exceptions to these restrictions, including for:
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport issued by a country not on the list
- Certain specific visa classifications (e.g., A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6)
- Athletes and athletic teams participating in major sporting events
- Immediate family members with verified relationships seeking certain immigrant visas
- Individuals seeking asylum or refugee status
The proclamation also allows for case-by-case exceptions based on national interest, determined by the Secretary of State or Attorney General. Importantly, visas issued before the effective date of the proclamation (June 9, 2025) will not be revoked based on this proclamation.
The Secretary of State is mandated to regularly review these restrictions and recommend any necessary adjustments, as well as engage with the subject countries to improve their screening and vetting procedures. You can read the full presidential proclamation for details.
Revision Date: June 2025.