Trump Administration Implements New Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Restricts Seven Others

Washington, D.C. – June 4, 2025: President Donald Trump signed an executive order today enacting a sweeping new travel ban, fully restricting entry from 12 countries and imposing partial visa restrictions on seven others, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The move, which expands on immigration policies from Trump’s first term, aims to bolster national security by limiting entry from nations deemed to pose risks due to deficient vetting and screening processes.

The 12 countries facing a complete travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens from these nations will be barred from entering the United States for any purpose, including tourism, business, or education. This “red list” includes several countries previously targeted during Trump’s first-term travel bans, such as Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, alongside new additions like Haiti and Equatorial Guinea.

Seven additional countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions, affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas. Exceptions may apply for certain travelers, such as affluent business visitors, who could still gain entry under stricter vetting protocols. These nations fall under an “orange” tier, requiring mandatory in-person visa interviews and enhanced security checks.

The executive order, signed under the authority of Executive Order 14161 issued on January 20, 2025, follows a 60-day review period mandated by Trump to identify countries with inadequate information-sharing or security practices. The Department of State, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, alongside the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, finalized the list after extensive deliberations. A draft proposal initially considered up to 43 countries across three tiers, but the final order streamlined the restrictions to focus on these 19 nations.

“This action protects Americans from potential terrorist threats and ensures our immigration system isn’t exploited,” a White House spokesperson said, echoing Trump’s campaign pledge to prioritize national security. The administration cited issues such as failure to report lost or stolen passport data to Interpol and weak passport issuance protocols as justifications for the bans.

The travel ban has sparked immediate controversy, with critics labeling it a revival of the “Muslim ban” from Trump’s first term, which targeted predominantly Muslim-majority nations and faced multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Advocacy groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the policy, arguing it unfairly targets vulnerable populations and disrupts families, students, and professionals.

Immigration attorneys are advising green card holders and visa holders from affected countries to avoid international travel until the policy’s impact on existing statuses is clarified. There is uncertainty about whether current visas will be revoked, particularly for those from fully banned countries. Lawful permanent residents are expected to remain exempt, though heightened scrutiny may apply to individuals with histories of political activism.

The seven partially restricted countries have been given a 60-day probationary period to address U.S. concerns, such as improving data-sharing on travelers or tightening passport security. Failure to comply could escalate their status to a full ban.

International reaction has been swift, with some affected nations, including Venezuela and Cuba, denouncing the restrictions as politically motivated. Analysts warn that the ban could strain diplomatic relations and lead to reciprocal measures against U.S. citizens traveling abroad.

The White House has not set a timeline for reviewing or lifting the restrictions, stating that changes will depend on compliance from the targeted countries. As the policy takes effect, immigration officials are bracing for potential chaos at U.S. ports of entry, reminiscent of the 2017 ban’s implementation, which led to detentions and deportations at airports nationwide.

17GEN4.com

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