On the heels of prior controversial travel restrictions, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing to implement a new travel ban with broad implications. According to media reports, an internal memo obtained by Reuters outlines a three-tiered system affecting travelers from 41 countries, ranging from full visa suspensions to heightened screening measures. If implemented, this policy could significantly impact individuals from multiple regions, particularly those seeking to travel, work, or study in the United States.

The Three Categories of the New Travel Ban

Under the proposed policy, the affected countries are divided into three groups:

1. Full Visa Suspension: Citizens from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, and Bhutan would face a complete ban on entry to the U.S.

2. Partial Restrictions: Individuals from Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan would encounter severe travel restrictions, including suspensions on tourist and student visas. These applicants would be required to undergo mandatory in-person interviews.

3. Provisional Category: Twenty-six other countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, have been given a 60-day window to address U.S. concerns or risk being added to the second category of restricted travel.

This latest travel restriction follows the January 20, 2025, executive order instructing the State Department to identify countries with “deficient vetting and screening processes” that could pose national security risks. The administration justifies these actions as necessary to prevent entry by individuals who could pose security threats, espouse extremist ideologies, or attempt to exploit U.S. immigration laws.

A Troubling Return to Prior Travel Bans

The proposed restrictions bear striking similarities to previous travel bans instituted during Trump's first term. In 2017, the administration's first travel ban targeted seven Muslim-majority countries, causing chaos at airports and legal battles that reached the Supreme Court. Although multiple iterations of the ban were challenged in court, the final version (Trump v. Hawaii) was upheld in 2018 despite widespread condemnation from civil rights groups, immigration attorneys, and policymakers.

This new policy also reflects elements of Trump's 2020 expansion of the travel ban, which added countries such as Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania to the list of restricted nations. Similar to the 2017 version, these bans disproportionately impacted refugees, students, and professionals, effectively blocking entry for thousands of individuals with valid visas and family ties in the U.S.

Implications for Green Card Holders and Immigrant Families

One of the most pressing concerns is whether green card holders from affected countries will be barred from re-entering the U.S. Immigration advocates recall the 2017 chaos when even lawful permanent residents (LPRs) were detained at airports and denied entry. Given that the administration has already begun retroactively canceling visas for Libyan students, there is growing concern that lawful immigrants and visa holders could once again be subjected to abrupt policy shifts and forced departures.

Political and Legal Challenges Ahead

Historically, travel bans under Trump have faced immediate legal challenges. The 2017 ban was blocked by multiple courts before ultimately being upheld in 2018. Given the expanded scope of the 2025 travel restrictions, legal battles are expected. Civil rights groups, universities, and immigrant advocacy organizations are preparing to challenge the bans on constitutional and statutory grounds, arguing that they disproportionately target Muslim-majority and developing nations without clear national security justifications.

What Comes Next?

A final report and list of affected countries are expected this week. In the meantime, immigration attorneys are urging travelers from these regions to avoid leaving the U.S. until policies are confirmed. If you or a loved one could be impacted by this travel ban, it is crucial to seek legal guidance immediately.

Saluja Law will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates. If you have questions about how these restrictions may affect your visa status, lawful permanent residency, or immigration plans, please reach out to our office for legal assistance.

For immediate concerns, contact Saluja Law at 304.755.1101.