On June 5, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban, effective June 9, barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States. This policy expands upon his previous immigration restrictions and has sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Countries Affected by the Full Ban
The following 12 countries are subject to a complete travel ban:
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Afghanistan
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Chad
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Republic of the Congo
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Equatorial Guinea
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Eritrea
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Haiti
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Iran
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Libya
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Myanmar (Burma)
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Somalia
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Sudan
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Yemen
In addition to these, seven other countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, face partial entry restrictions.
The Trump administration cites national security concerns as the primary reason for the ban. Specifically, a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian immigrant, was used to highlight perceived inadequacies in current vetting processes.
Trump emphasized that many visitors overstay their visas and come from countries lacking robust verification mechanisms. He warned that more countries could be added to the ban list if deemed security threats.
Exemptions and Legal Challenges
The ban includes specific exemptions for certain groups:
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Lawful U.S. residents
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Dual nationals
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Diplomats
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Athletes attending major events
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Refugees already granted asylum
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Afghan allies of the United States
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Persecuted religious minorities from Iran
Despite these exemptions, the policy has drawn criticism from international organizations and civil rights groups, including the African Union and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who view the ban as divisive and ideologically motivated.
This move signals a hardening of Trump’s immigration policies and a divisive shift in his administration’s domestic and foreign stance. It mirrors his controversial “Muslim ban” from his first term and is expected to face legal challenges.
For more detailed information on the affected countries and the specifics of the ban, you can refer to the full list provided by the U.S. government.
