On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order that significantly expands travel restrictions, marking one of the most extensive immigration measures of his presidency. This directive, titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” imposes a full travel ban on citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, it enforces partial restrictions on travelers from seven other nations, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela .
The administration justifies these measures by citing national security concerns, particularly the lack of reliable identity verification systems in the affected countries. For instance, nations like Afghanistan, under Taliban control, and Somalia are highlighted for their inadequate vetting processes . The order also references a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, involving an Egyptian national with an expired visa, as a catalyst for the renewed emphasis on stringent immigration controls .
Despite the broad scope of the ban, certain exemptions are outlined. These include lawful permanent residents of the U.S., dual nationals, diplomats on valid non-immigrant visas, athletes participating in major sporting events like the World Cup or Olympics, individuals with immediate family immigrant visas, adoptees, holders of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, U.S. government employees with Special Immigrant Visas, and immigrants facing persecution in their home countries .
The executive order has sparked significant controversy and is expected to face legal challenges. Critics argue that the ban disproportionately targets countries with Muslim-majority populations and could strain diplomatic relations. Moreover, the exclusion of countries like Pakistan, despite its known issues with terrorism, has raised questions about the consistency and motivations behind the policy.
This move echoes the travel bans implemented during Trump’s first term, which were met with widespread protests and legal battles. As the administration proceeds with these new restrictions, the debate over national security and immigration policies continues to intensify.
