KKN Gurugram Desk | On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing new travel restrictions on nationals from 19 countries, citing national security concerns. This directive reinstates and expands upon the travel bans from his first term, aiming to protect the United States from potential threats posed by foreign nationals.

Countries Under Full Travel Ban

The proclamation enforces a complete ban on both immigrant and non-immigrant visa entries for citizens of the following 12 countries:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar (Burma)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

These nations are identified as having inadequate vetting procedures, high visa overstay rates, or limited cooperation in repatriating deported individuals.

Countries Under Partial Travel Restrictions

Seven additional countries face partial restrictions, limiting access to certain visa categories:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

Citizens from these countries are barred from obtaining immigrant visas and specific non-immigrant visas, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), and exchange visitor (J) visas. However, certain temporary visas may still be available under specific conditions.

Justification for the Ban

The administration asserts that these measures are necessary to prevent entry of individuals who might pose security threats, including those intending to commit terrorist acts or overstay their visas. President Trump emphasized the importance of stringent vetting processes and the need for countries to cooperate in sharing identity and threat-related information.

Implementation and Exceptions

The travel restrictions are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. Notably, the proclamation includes exceptions for:

• U.S. permanent residents (green card holders)

• Individuals with valid visas issued before the effective date

• Diplomats and certain officials

• Athletes participating in major international sporting events

• Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country

Additionally, Afghan nationals who have assisted U.S. forces and hold Special Immigrant Visas are exempt from the ban.

Background and Previous Bans

This move echoes the travel bans implemented during Trump’s first term in 2017, which faced legal challenges but were ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. The current ban expands upon previous measures by including more countries and refining the criteria for restrictions.

Reactions and Potential Challenges

Critics argue that the travel ban could have significant humanitarian and economic impacts, potentially affecting families and individuals seeking refuge or better opportunities. Legal challenges are anticipated, with opponents questioning the discriminatory nature of the restrictions and their alignment with American values.

President Trump’s reinstatement and expansion of the travel ban underscore his administration’s focus on national security and immigration control. As the policy takes effect, its implications on international relations, immigration patterns, and domestic discourse will be closely monitored.