Trump Enacts Sweeping Travel Ban on Citizens from 12 Countries

On June 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order imposing a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, primarily located in the Middle East and Africa. The affected nations include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, and Yemen.

The policy, which takes effect Monday, also includes partial restrictions on seven additional countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—limiting access to permanent immigration, tourist, and student visas, while still allowing temporary work visas.

According to the Trump administration, the move is aimed at addressing concerns over visa overstays and insufficient identity verification systems in those countries. President Trump, in a recorded statement, stressed national security concerns, citing the recent case of an Egyptian national—on an expired student visa—who carried out a violent attack in Colorado. Notably, Egypt is not included in the current list of restricted countries.

Some exceptions to the ban apply. U.S. green card holders and individuals traveling to major international sporting events such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup will still be allowed to enter. Additionally, Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) are exempt.

Critics argue that the ban punishes entire populations for the actions or governance failures of their home countries. Advocacy groups and members of Congress have also raised concerns about its humanitarian impact and its legality. However, with the Supreme Court having upheld the original Trump travel ban in 2018, any new legal challenges may face significant obstacles.

The administration has left open the possibility of lifting the restrictions if countries enhance their vetting and security processes, aligning this new policy with Trump’s longstanding promises to strengthen national borders and immigration control.

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