June 5, 2025

Overview
On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry into the United States for nationals of 19 countries, citing national security and public safety concerns.

The policy, rooted in Executive Order 14161, aims to prevent potential terrorist threats and address deficiencies in foreign governments’ vetting and information-sharing practices. The proclamation fully suspends entry for nationals of 12 countries and partially restricts entry for seven others. The decision follows a report by the Secretary of State identifying countries with inadequate screening protocols, high visa overstay rates, or uncooperative deportation policies.

Facts

• President Trump’s proclamation, issued June 4, 2025, suspends entry for nationals of 19 countries under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)).
• Full suspension applies to nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, covering both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
• Partial suspension applies to nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, restricting immigrant visas and specific nonimmigrant visas (e.g., B-1/B-2, F, M, J).
• Exceptions include U.S. lawful permanent residents, dual nationals with non-restricted passports, certain diplomatic visa holders, athletes for major sporting events, and specific family or persecution-related immigrant visas.
• The Fiscal Year 2023 DHS Entry/Exit Overstay Report cites high visa overstay rates, e.g., Chad (49.54% B-1/B-2), Haiti (31.38% B-1/B-2), and Equatorial Guinea (70.18% F/M/J).
• The proclamation mandates a review every 180 days to assess whether restrictions should continue, terminate, or be modified.
• Historical context: Similar restrictions during Trump’s first term were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 (Trump v. Hawaii, 585 U.S. 2018).

Perspectives

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): High visa overstay rates and inadequate foreign vetting systems pose significant risks. The agency emphasizes that restrictions will enhance border security by limiting entry from countries with deficient identity-management protocols.
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU opposes the restrictions, arguing they disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, including refugees and families, and may violate international law. The group contends the policy lacks evidence tying entire nationalities to security threats.
• Heritage Foundation: This conservative think tank endorses the proclamation, asserting that prioritizing national security through stringent immigration controls is essential. It highlights the risks of unchecked migration from countries with weak governance or terrorist activity.
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): UNHCR expresses concern that the restrictions could limit access to asylum for those fleeing persecution, particularly from countries like Yemen and Somalia. It urges the U.S. to uphold commitments to international refugee protections.
• Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR): FAIR supports the policy, arguing that countries refusing to accept deportees or providing unreliable documentation undermine U.S. immigration enforcement. It views the restrictions as a necessary step to deter visa overstays.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC criticizes the proclamation, stating it disrupts humanitarian efforts and family reunification. It argues that blanket restrictions penalize individuals who pose no threat and exacerbate global displacement challenges.

Considerations

• The restrictions may strain diplomatic relations with affected countries, potentially reducing cooperation on counterterrorism or trade.
• Short-term enforcement could overburden U.S. consular services, delaying visa processing for exempt categories.
• Long-term, the policy may deter legitimate travelers, impacting U.S. tourism and educational exchanges.
• Enhanced vetting requirements could push affected countries to improve identity-management systems, strengthening global security.

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