In a sweeping move aimed at bolstering nationals security, the Trump administration has announced a new travel ban targeting 19 countries, with 12 of them facing a complete prohibition on entry into the United States. The directive, signed by President Donald Trump, will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025.
According to the administration, the policy is designed to prevent foreign nationals from countries that allegedly lack proper documentation and reliable security protocols from entering the U.S., which it claims poses a national security risk. The 12 countries facing a total travel ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens from these countries will be barred from entering the U.S. under any visa category—whether immigrant or non-immigrant.
In addition to the full bans, partial restrictions have been placed on travelers from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These partial restrictions will vary depending on the country but could include bans on specific visa types, limited visa durations, in-person consular interviews, enhanced background checks, and stricter documentation requirements. However, some leeway will be allowed for business travelers or individuals who meet specific criteria, with more affluent applicants potentially facing fewer restrictions.
President Trump defended the decision by highlighting recent incidents as evidence of insufficient vetting. In a video statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Trump cited a violent attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national with an expired visa, to underline the urgency of the policy. While Egypt is not among the banned countries, Trump used the incident to argue that a tougher stance on immigration is essential for national safety. “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” he said.
The policy provides several exemptions. Visas issued before June 9 will remain valid, and U.S. green card holders, dual nationals traveling with passports from non-restricted countries, and individuals with close U.S. family ties will not be affected. Additionally, certain categories like athletes, coaches, approved refugees, and Afghan allies of the U.S. military are also exempt from the restrictions. Religious minorities from Iran are another group for whom exceptions will be made, particularly those facing persecution.
The decision has drawn criticism from immigration advocates and human rights organizations, who describe the move as discriminatory and politically motivated. Many have pointed out that the majority of the countries on the list are either African or Muslim-majority nations, evoking memories of Trump’s first-term travel bans, which were widely condemned and legally contested. On the other hand, Somalia has responded diplomatically, with its ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan Abdi, expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised.
Importantly, India does not figure among the nations impacted by either the total or partial ban. However, some of its neighbors—particularly Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan—have been affected, which could have wider regional implications. Analysts suggest that this policy may further strain U.S. relations with parts of South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, even as legal experts prepare for expected challenges in American courts. As the new rules prepare to take effect, the travel ban has once again thrust immigration policy and national security into the center of America’s political discourse.
