Washington, D.C. (Agencies): U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a presidential proclamation barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, while imposing heightened restrictions on nationals from seven additional countries. The move is part of Trump’s immigration crackdown, a key promise from his campaign.
The 12 countries facing a complete travel ban include:
Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The seven countries facing partial restrictions are:
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
- How the Ban Works
Citizens from the 12 fully restricted countries will face a complete suspension of immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Those from the seven partially restricted nations will be barred from applying for immigrant visas and certain temporary visas, including student and tourism visas (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J). However, some temporary visas will still be available.
Unlike an executive order, a presidential proclamation is not legally binding but signals a policy shift. The new rules apply only to individuals outside the U.S. who do not already hold a valid visa.
- Exceptions to the Ban
The restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent residents of the U.S., commonly known as green card holders. Existing visa holders remain unaffected. Foreign diplomats traveling under designated visa categories are exempt. Dual nationals of the affected countries may still enter the U.S. if traveling on a passport from a country not subject to the ban. Athletes and members of athletic teams, including coaches and support staff, may enter the U.S. for major sporting events such as the World Cup or Olympics. Immediate family immigrant visas with verified identity and family relationships are permitted, along with adoptees and special immigrant visa holders, including Afghan individuals and U.S. government employees. Additionally, immigrant visas for persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Iran remain available.
- National Security Justification
Trump defended the ban, stating it was necessary to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors”. The policy stems from a January 20 executive order, which directed U.S. intelligence agencies to assess security risks posed by foreign nationals.
The proclamation takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., with no set expiration date. Officials have hinted that more countries could be added if new threats emerge.
The move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it revives elements of Trump’s first-term travel ban, which was widely criticized as a “Muslim ban” before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
As the policy unfolds, legal challenges and diplomatic responses are expected in the coming weeks.