Washington, D.C. — June 5, 2025
President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new travel proclamation barring entry into the United States for citizens of 12 countries, while imposing partial restrictions on several others. The measure, which the administration says is aimed at bolstering national security, will take effect on June 9, 2025.
The full travel ban applies to nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, the directive enforces partial travel restrictions on citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
National Security Justification
In a video address posted on X (formerly Twitter), Trump defended the move as a necessary safeguard against foreign threats.
“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen,” he said.
According to the White House, the countries under the ban were selected based on their alleged inability or unwillingness to cooperate with U.S. vetting standards. Officials cited several risk indicators, including the presence of terrorist groups, insufficient sharing of criminal and identity data, weak passport controls, and a high rate of visa overstays.
A statement from the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that this action follows “a thorough interagency review of global compliance with U.S. security protocols.”
Exemptions and Exceptions
While the ban is broad, it does allow for certain exceptions. Athletes traveling for international sporting events, select Afghan nationals, and dual citizens traveling on passports from unaffected countries will be permitted entry under specific conditions. Humanitarian waivers may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, though the criteria remain stringent.
The administration has not disclosed how many people may be affected by the new policy, but immigration experts estimate that tens of thousands of potential travelers may be blocked.
Echoes of the 2017 Travel Ban
This proclamation marks a significant revival and expansion of Trump’s original travel ban enacted in 2017, which targeted seven predominantly Muslim countries. That ban faced multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. President Joe Biden rescinded it shortly after taking office in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
Critics argue the new ban mirrors the same discriminatory patterns of the earlier directive. Civil rights groups have already expressed concerns, warning of legal challenges and widespread humanitarian consequences.
“The administration is once again weaponizing immigration policy in the name of national security,” said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “It unfairly targets nations with majority Muslim or Black populations and offers little evidence that such measures enhance safety.”
Broader Immigration Strategy
The proclamation aligns with President Trump’s ongoing push for stricter immigration control during his second term in office. On January 20, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to implement more rigorous screening procedures for visa applicants and to reassess country-specific security cooperation.
That directive laid the groundwork for this latest policy, which Trump administration officials describe as part of a “long-overdue overhaul” of U.S. border and immigration enforcement.
Global and Diplomatic Repercussions
The announcement has sparked diplomatic backlash from several of the targeted countries. Officials in Iran, Libya, and Sudan have publicly condemned the move, calling it politically motivated and unjustified. The African Union has also expressed concern, urging the U.S. to reconsider what it calls a “disproportionate and stigmatizing action.”
Foreign policy analysts note that the ban could strain bilateral relations and hinder cooperation on counterterrorism and regional stability efforts. It may also disrupt family reunifications, student exchanges, and international business ties.
What’s Next
Legal and political opposition is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Democratic lawmakers have called for congressional hearings to review the legality and rationale behind the new travel restrictions.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups are mobilizing to assist affected travelers and push for repeal, much like the campaign that followed the 2017 travel ban.
As the June 9 implementation date approaches, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide are preparing to enforce the new rules, prompting a flurry of inquiries and appeals from prospective travelers.
