Trump Administration Implements Executive Order for Travel Ban Affecting 19 Countries
On June 9, 2025, President Trump’s administration implemented a new travel ban, reviving and expanding a controversial policy from his first term. The ban, effective immediately, bars nationals from 12 countries and imposes heightened restrictions on citizens of an additional 7 countries, citing national security concerns in the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Colorado.
The administration justifies the measure as necessary to prevent the entry of individuals from countries it deems "deficient" (without detail) in screening, identity verification, and cooperation on visa security. According to the administration, the list will remain subject to modification depending on individual country compliance and evolving threat assessments.
Affected Countries
The full ban applies to nationals from the following 12 countries:
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While not totally banned, nationals from the following 7 countries will face significant and additional restrictions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Implementation and Enforcement
The ban halts visa issuance for affected countries effective June 9, 2025. However, U.S. embassies have been instructed not to revoke already-issued visas. Individuals with approved applications but no issued visa will be denied entry unless they qualify for the following exemptions:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling under a passport from a non-restricted country
- Children adopted by U.S. citizens
- Immediate relatives with confirmed identity and relationship
- Certain persecuted minorities and Afghan nationals with verified U.S. government ties
- Participants in major international sporting events (e.g., World Cup or Olympics)
Nationals from the affected countries already in the U.S. with issued special visas (e.g., F1 student visas and H1-B work visas) are also exempt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) retains discretion at ports of entry to enforce the ban. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the action is a “necessary step to strengthen national security and restore integrity to the immigration system.”
Legal Considerations and Challenges
The administration has framed this new policy more carefully than the 2017 travel ban, incorporating broader justifications and clearer exemptions to withstand judicial scrutiny. Nevertheless, immigration law experts anticipate legal challenges, especially on the factual basis for country selection and potential discriminatory effects.
Courts will likely scrutinize whether the administration's use of DHS data and security assessments provides a legitimate, non-pretextual rationale under constitutional and statutory standards.
Next Steps
Employers, educational institutions, and affected individuals should review visa status and travel plans immediately. If you have questions about how this policy may impact your employees, students or clients, please contact the author of this article or your Woods Rogers attorney.
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