On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting the entry of citizens from 12 countries into the United States, while imposing travel restrictions on citizens from 7 other countries, effective from June 9, 2025. The decision, which has sparked controversy, was affirmed by the White House as a measure to protect American citizens from security and terrorist threats.
The complete travel ban includes the following countries:
– Afghanistan
– Burma (Myanmar)
– Chad
– Republic of Congo
– Equatorial Guinea
– Eritrea
– Haiti
– Iran
– Libya
– Somalia
– Sudan
– Yemen
The order prohibits the entry of citizens from these countries into the United States if they are outside the country on the effective date and do not hold valid visas.
The seven countries that will have partial travel restrictions include:
– Burundi
– Cuba
– Laos
– Sierra Leone
– Togo
– Turkmenistan
– Venezuela
These restrictions specifically target immigration visas and certain types of non-immigrant visas such as B-1, B-2, F, M, and J. The White House justified the decision by stating that the targeted countries lack effective governments, making it easier for their citizens to remain in the U.S. after their visas expire. Iran was included on the list due to its support of terrorism.
A statement on the matter clarified that there are exceptions, including:
– Lawful permanent residents in the United States.
– Holders of valid visas prior to the effective date of the order.
– Diplomats and official envoys.
– Athletes participating in major sporting events.
– Certain immigration categories such as family reunification, adoption cases, and holders of visas for U.S. government employees.
– Persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, especially in Iran.
This decision has evoked mixed reactions both internationally and domestically, with some countries expressing concern over the implications of the ban on bilateral relations, while others view it as a necessary step to enhance U.S. national security. Conversely, human rights organizations criticized the decision as discriminatory and detrimental to individual mobility rights.
This order is seen as an extension of Trump’s previous immigration policies and is expected to have significant effects on international relations and the U.S. economy. While the White House cites the need to protect national security, questions remain regarding its impact on the United States’ global image.
