On June 4, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation that significantly intensifies his immigration policy stance. This latest measure enacts a sweeping travel ban affecting nearly 20 countries, citing national security threats and failures to comply with U.S. immigration standards as justification.
The order imposes a complete travel ban on citizens from 12 countries. These include nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia—places previously targeted in earlier travel bans—as well as others like Chad, Congo, and Haiti. Nationals from these countries are now prohibited from entering the United States under the terms of this new proclamation.
In addition to the full bans, the directive introduces partial travel restrictions on seven other countries. These include Cuba, Venezuela, Turkmenistan, and Laos, among others. While not a complete ban, these restrictions limit specific visa categories or impose enhanced vetting processes for travelers from these nations.
The Trump camp has framed the policy as a necessary step to protect the U.S. from external threats and to pressure governments into better cooperation on immigration and security protocols. Critics, however, argue it echoes past controversial bans and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers.
The announcement has already drawn widespread international criticism and legal challenges are expected. Immigration advocates warn of the ban’s humanitarian consequences and its impact on families and students hoping to travel or reunite in the U.S.
This move marks a renewed push for hardline immigration controls heading into the 2026 political season.
