On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a sweeping immigration proclamation invoking sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), suspending and limiting the entry of foreign nationals from 19 countries. The order, which takes effect June 9, 2025, is the most significant immigration restriction of his second administration and continues a policy approach that first drew national attention during his initial term.

According to the proclamation, the entry suspensions target countries that allegedly pose security and vetting concerns, including failures in information sharing, high visa overstay rates, lack of competent document issuance, and refusal to accept back deported nationals.

Full Entry Suspensions

Twelve countries face a full suspension of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa entry into the United States:

• Afghanistan

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

In citing reasons for the bans, the administration pointed to factors such as the lack of a functioning central government (e.g., in Libya, Somalia, and Yemen), high visa overstay rates (as high as 70% for certain student categories), terrorist affiliations (e.g., Iran and Afghanistan), and historical failures to cooperate with U.S. immigration enforcement.

Partial Entry Suspensions

Seven countries will face partial restrictions, specifically targeting immigrants and holders of common nonimmigrant visas (B-1/B-2, F, M, J):

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

These nations were cited for lesser—but still significant—deficiencies in identity management, information sharing, and cooperation with U.S. deportation efforts.

Legal Justification and National Security Rationale

As with his previous travel bans, President Trump justified the proclamation under INA § 212(f), which allows the President to suspend the entry of any class of aliens deemed “detrimental to the interests of the United States.” The proclamation asserts that “absent these measures, the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of persons described would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.”

Importantly, the administration claims that many of the supporting facts are classified due to national security considerations. While some justifications—such as visa overstay statistics—are publicly available, much of the vetting inadequacy analysis remains undisclosed.

Exceptions and Waivers

The order includes limited exceptions for:

• Lawful permanent residents

• Certain dual nationals

• Diplomats and NATO personnel

• Immediate relatives (with confirmed DNA evidence)

• Special immigrant visa holders (e.g., U.S. government employees, persecuted minorities from Iran)

• Athletes participating in major sporting events

• Afghans and Iraqis with SIV status

• Individuals already granted asylum, CAT, or withholding of removal

In addition, case-by-case waivers may be granted by the Secretary of State or Attorney General if entry is found to advance U.S. national interests.

What This Means Going Forward

While the Trump administration frames this as a national security measure, critics are likely to view it as a revival—and expansion—of the controversial “Muslim Ban” and “Travel Ban” policies of the previous term. Immigration advocates are already expressing concerns about the discriminatory impact of the order and the consequences for families, students, and those fleeing persecution.

The proclamation includes a directive for ongoing review and engagement with affected countries. Within 90 days, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State must report on whether restrictions should be lifted, modified, or continued. A special review of Egypt's vetting and screening capabilities is also underway.

At Saluja Law, we recognize the serious impact this proclamation may have on families, students, businesses, and refugees with ties to the affected countries. If you or someone you know may be impacted by these new restrictions, we encourage you to contact our office immediately. Relief may still be available through existing asylum protections, waivers, or other immigration remedies.

For updates and legal guidance on this and other immigration developments, follow Saluja Law or call our office for a consultation.