June 2025 Travel Ban Impacts 19 Countries—Here’s How to Protect Your Status

President Trump has reinstated and expanded his 2017 travel ban and entry restrictions executive order, making it significantly more far-reaching. The ban imposes nationality-based restrictions on entry for foreign nationals.

As of June 9, 2025, President Trump’s executive order blocks or restricts citizens of 19 countries from entering the U.S., a decision with immediate and significant implications for individuals and families.

How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help You Navigate the Travel Ban?

Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. remains current on how thousands of people here and abroad are affected by the June 2025 immigration proclamation. With our extensive expertise in immigration law, we are well-equipped to assist you with any questions and explore the legal options available to you regarding your status and the executive order.

We are ready to assist you in:

• Applying for an exemption.
• Understanding your visa status.
• Representing you if you face issues at a port of entry or during visa processing.

Which Countries Are Affected by the Executive Order?

The June 9 travel ban means that entry can be blocked or restricted for those coming to the U.S. temporarily or permanently—the new ban and restrictions most impact African and Middle Eastern countries. Trump has said that the list is always subject to revision, so staying current on any changes is essential.

The Trump administration has provided several reasons for choosing particular countries to ban, including:

• National security concerns about vetting
• Public safety
• Restricting countries based on the “visa overstay rate” for individuals granted tourist or student visas

If the administration feels a country has improved the screening and vetting of its citizens, it could be removed from the list. On the other hand, a country can be added to the list if it is deemed a new threat, which means Trump’s executive order can be updated at any time.

Countries That Are Completely Banned

With limited exceptions, citizens from these countries cannot obtain any type of U.S. visa, including green cards, work, student, or tourist visas.

• Afghanistan
• Burma
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

In addition, those who have not yet received their visa but have an approved application will be rejected unless they qualify for an exemption.

Which Countries Have Restrictions?

Nationals from the following countries face partial restrictions—entry as immigrants or on B‑1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is suspended.

• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela

Types of Visas Impacted by the Restrictions

• B-1 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals to enter the U.S. temporarily for business purposes.
• B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that temporarily allows nationals to enter the U.S. for tourism or recreational purposes.
• B-1/B-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows for both business and recreational purposes.
• F is a nonimmigrant student visa for academic studies.
• M is a nonimmigrant visa for students pursuing vocational or non-academic studies.
• J is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals participating in the U.S. Exchange Visitors Program.

U.S. Travel Ban 2025 Exemptions

Like the travel ban from his first administration, the June 9th travel ban has some exemptions for people in specific categories.

• An individual with a current green card or a current valid visa
• Immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouses, children under the age of 21, and parents)
• Refugees, asylees, and those granted humanitarian protection
• Diplomats and NATO personnel
• Dual nationals traveling on a non-banned country’s passport
• Children adopted abroad
• Afghans seeking Special Immigrant Visas for their work in helping the U.S. armed forces
• Ethnic or religious minorities fleeing persecution in Iran
• Athletes, coaches, support staff, and immediate relatives of athletes participating in “major sporting events” like the World Cup and the Olympics
• Any individual whose entry is deemed in the “national interest”

We’re Here to Help

The June 2025 travel ban has far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities here and abroad. Understanding your rights and options is critical if you or your loved ones are directly affected.

At Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., our attorneys are ready to navigate you through this evolving policy. Whether you need help applying for an exemption, understanding your visa status, or gaining representation if you face issues at a port of entry or during visa processing, we’re here to support you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and receive personalized legal assistance.