By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, signed a presidential proclamation reinstating a travel ban that bars or restricts entry into the United States for nationals from 19 countries. The move, which the administration says is based on national security concerns, revives one of the most controversial policies from Trump’s first term.
The order places a full travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, effectively blocking nearly all immigration, tourism, and business travel. The countries under the full ban include:
Afghanistan
Burma (Myanmar)
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
In addition, the proclamation imposes partial restrictions on seven other countries:
Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
These partial restrictions apply to both immigrants and nonimmigrants. However, exemptions exist for lawful permanent residents (green card holders), individuals with valid visas, and those whose entry is deemed in the national interest of the United States.
Administration’s Justification
The White House defended the decision as a necessary measure to protect national security. In a statement, President Trump said, “We must secure our borders and our people. These countries have not met the security standards required to protect Americans.”
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department indicated that the decision followed a security review assessing the information-sharing capabilities and vetting practices of foreign governments.
Mixed Reactions Domestically
The policy has triggered a wave of domestic criticism from immigration advocates and civil rights groups, who argue that the ban is discriminatory and unnecessarily harsh.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the ban “a renewed attempt to target vulnerable populations under the guise of national security.” Several advocacy organizations are already preparing to challenge the policy in court.
On the other hand, many conservative lawmakers and supporters of the Trump administration welcomed the move. They argue that strong vetting measures are essential to prevent terrorism and unauthorized immigration.
Legal and Immigration Impact
Legal experts say the ban will affect thousands of people seeking entry into the U.S. for family reunification, education, work, or medical care. Immigration attorneys are advising affected individuals to seek guidance, especially those with pending applications.
The proclamation takes immediate effect and includes the following exemptions:
Green card holders
Individuals with existing valid visas
People previously granted refugee or asylum status
Those whose entry qualifies under national interest or humanitarian waivers
U.S. consular officers will have some discretion in reviewing visa applications under the new policy framework.
This travel ban is expected to face legal challenges, as earlier versions did during Trump’s first term. The policy’s long-term fate may ultimately lie in the hands of the courts once again bringing the balance between national security and immigration policy into sharp public focus.
