On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” reinstating and expanding travel restrictions on nationals from 19 countries. This move echoes the controversial travel bans from his first term, which were partially upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Overview of the Proclamation
The proclamation imposes full entry bans on nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Yemen, and partial restrictions on seven others, such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Laos. The administration cites national security concerns, inadequate travel document screening, visa overstay rates, and cooperation with U.S. removal procedures as criteria for inclusion.
Exceptions exist for certain visa holders, permanent residents, diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
Rationale Behind the Ban
The administration justifies the proclamation as a measure to protect U.S. citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security threats. It emphasizes the need for vigilance during the visa-issuance process to ensure that individuals approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans or national interests.
A recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly committed by an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, has been cited as a catalyst for the expedited implementation of the order. Although Egypt is not currently on the banned list, it is under review.
Reactions and Implications
Civil rights organizations and human rights advocates have condemned the policy as discriminatory and politically driven, particularly against African and Muslim-majority nations. Critics argue it targets vulnerable populations fleeing conflict and persecution.
Legal experts are divided on the potential for successful challenges to the new ban, especially considering the precedent set by the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision.
Moving Forward
The proclamation is set to take effect on June 9, 2025. The administration has expressed willingness to collaborate with affected countries to improve information-sharing and identity-management procedures, aiming to address both terrorism-related and public-safety risks.
For more information, you can read the full proclamation here: White House Proclamation