10 June 2025
On June 4, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation introducing new travel and visa restrictions on nationals from 19 countries. These restrictions, which will take effect at 12:01 AM (EDT) on June 9, 2025, represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and will have far-reaching consequences for travelers, foreign workers, employers, and families.
As a leading Immigration Attorney in New Jersey, VKM Law Group is here to help you understand what this means, who is affected, and what steps you can take to protect your immigration status or business operations.
Overview: The Scope and Purpose of the Proclamation
This proclamation is part of a broader national strategy to enhance public safety and national security. According to the administration, the measure is based on security vetting standards, cooperation with U.S. intelligence and enforcement agencies, and foreign governments’ ability to meet information-sharing requirements.
The travel ban imposes full or partial suspensions on visa issuance and entry for foreign nationals from certain countries, with specific attention to those attempting to enter under nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent residency) categories.
Full Suspension of Entry: Countries Under Total Ban
Effective June 9, nationals from the following 12 countries will face a full suspension of entry into the U.S., whether they are applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, unless a specific exception applies:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Foreign nationals from these countries cannot enter the U.S., whether for employment, tourism, study, or family-based immigration, unless they qualify for an exemption or are granted a case-by-case waiver.
Partial Suspension: Visa Restrictions by Category
The following seven countries are subject to partial restrictions, targeting specific visa types:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
For these countries, entry is suspended for B-1/B-2 (visitor), F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visa categories.
This means travelers from these countries can still apply for other types of visas, but their ability to visit, study, or participate in exchange programs in the U.S. will be severely limited.
Who Is Affected by This Travel Ban?
This policy directly impacts foreign nationals who:
- Are outside the United States as of June 9, 2025
- Do not hold a valid U.S. visa on that date
If you are currently inside the U.S. with a valid visa, you are not subject to this ban. However, if you travel abroad after June 9 and need to renew your visa, you may face significant delays or denials.
Who Is Exempt?
The Presidential Proclamation does include several critical exceptions:
✅ U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
✅ Dual nationals traveling with a passport from a non-listed country
✅ Certain diplomats, international organization staff, and NATO personnel
✅ Immediate family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders under approved immigrant categories
✅ Refugees, asylees, and those under humanitarian protection
✅ Special immigrant visa (SIV) holders linked to U.S. government missions
✅ Athletes and support teams attending designated international sporting events
✅ Travelers who are granted waivers for reasons aligned with U.S. national interests
What Employers and Individuals Should Do Now
For individuals, families, and businesses, the announcement raises significant concerns. At VKM Law Group, we urge all affected parties to take immediate, proactive steps:
1. Review Your Immigration Status
- Ensure your visa or green card is valid and unexpired
- If you are awaiting adjudication, consult with an immigration attorney before traveling
2. Avoid International Travel
- If you are from one of the listed countries, do not leave the U.S. without confirming whether the ban impacts your ability to return
3. Employers: Audit Your Workforce
- Review the nationalities and visa statuses of all international employees
- Prepare contingency plans for employees needing visa renewals or consular processing abroad
4. Plan for Processing Delays
- Expect longer visa interview wait times, greater scrutiny, and additional documentation requests
- Even applicants not from listed countries may face indirect delays due to backlogs and heightened review protocols
Can You Apply for a Waiver?
Yes. The Proclamation allows for individual case-by-case waivers, but these are granted under strict criteria, including:
- Undue hardship to the applicant or their family
- The individual does not pose a national security risk
- The entry of the individual would be in the national interest
If you believe your case qualifies, consult a qualified Immigration Attorney in New Jersey to prepare the strongest possible waiver request with supporting evidence.
How VKM Law Group Can Help
At VKM Law Group, we understand how sudden policy changes can upend your life, career, or business goals. Whether you’re an individual affected by the ban or a company seeking visa solutions, our team of dedicated immigration attorneys, led by seasoned US attorneys, is here to guide you through every step.
We offer:
- Case evaluations for those affected by the ban
- Waiver strategy development for exceptional situations
- Workforce immigration audits for compliance
- Emergency travel planning for executives, medical staff, or essential personnel
- Visa petition representation for companies hiring from abroad