In a significant move to bolster national security, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. The countries affected by this decision are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. As of June 9, 2025, at 12:01 am EDT, nationals from these countries will be fully restricted from entering the U.S.
In addition to the full ban, the entry of nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be partially restricted. This proclamation is part of Trump’s immigration crackdown, which aims to protect the U.S. against foreign terrorists and other security threats. Trump emphasized, “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm.” He also mentioned that the list of restricted countries could be revised, and new countries might be added in the future.
The reasoning behind the restrictions is based on the presence of terrorists in some countries and the inability of others to cooperate on visa security, verify travelers’ identities, and maintain adequate records of criminal histories. Trump stated, “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States.” This directive is an extension of Trump’s pledge to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other areas that pose security threats.
Trump’s executive order, issued on January 20, required intensified security vetting for foreigners seeking admission to the U.S. This order was a response to concerns about national security threats and led to the identification of countries with deficient vetting and screening information. While Trump had previously announced a ban on travelers from seven countries during his first term, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, former President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, describing it as “a stain on our national conscience.” The new proclamation marks a renewed effort by the Trump administration to address security concerns and redefine immigration policies.
