ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø

On June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threatsâ€�.1Ìý The proclamation restricts the ability of foreign nationals from 19 countries to enter the United States.2Ìý The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 9, 2025, and the stated aims are to prevent the entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals from the listed countries who may pose a terrorism risk, threaten national security, jeopardize public safety, or abuse immigration laws.3

The proclamation issued by President Trump on June 4, fully suspends both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance for foreign nationals from 12 named countries, and suspends immigrant visa issuance and issuance of nonimmigrant visas in the B, F, M, and J categories for nationals of seven other countries.4Ìý The proclamation does not order the revocation of U.S. visas issued to citizens of restricted countries prior to June 9, 2025.5

The proclamation includes certain exceptions, as well as provisions for review and updates every 90 days.6Ìý Notably, the proclamation directs agencies to review the screening and vetting procedures of Egypt, signaling that Egyptian nationals may be subject to U.S. entry restrictions in the foreseeable future.7

WHY THIS MATTERS

The travel ban taking effect on June 9, will affect U.S. employers by potentially making it more difficult to hire, relocate to the U.S., and retain foreign workers from restricted countries.

Foreign nationals of partially restricted countries who are seeking entry to the U.S. in non-prohibited visa categories can also expect to see reduced visa validity periods, as the proclamation taking effect on June 9, 2025, orders consular officers to reduce visa validity to the extent permitted by law.8

Employers are advised to seek the advice of their immigration counsel to discuss the specific immigration strategy for employees and their family members impacted by the proclamation.

Affected CountriesÌý

Fully-Restricted CountriesÌý

The aforementioned proclamation completely suspends U.S. entry for nationals of the following countries:

Afghanistan

Iran

Burma (Myanmar)

Libya

Chad

Republic of the Congo

Equatorial Guinea

Somalia

Eritrea

Sudan

Haiti

Yemen9

Ìý

Partially-Restricted CountriesÌý

The proclamation issued on June 4, suspends U.S. entry for immigrants and certain nonimmigrants in the B-1, B-2, F, M, and J categories from the following countries:

Burundi

Togo

Cuba

Turkmenistan

Laos

Venezuela10

Sierra Leone

Ìý

Ìý

Exceptions

The proclamation of June 4, does not apply to:

  • Foreign nationals from an impacted country who currently hold a valid U.S. visa issued before June 9, 2025.
  • Foreign nationals from an impacted country who are in the U.S. in lawful status as of June 9, 2025.
  • U.S. permanent residents.
  • Dual citizens entering the U.S. with a passport issued by a non-restricted country.
  • Individuals entering with an immediate relative immigrant visa (IR-1/CR-1; IR-2/CR-2, IR-5).
  • Athletes, coaches, “persons performing a necessary supporting role, and immediate relatives travelingâ€� for major sporting events, as determined by the secretary of state.
  • Individuals entering the U.S. with certain other immigrant visas:
    • Adoption (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4);
    • Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;
    • Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees; and
    • “Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.â€�
  • Exceptions determined by the attorney general, in coordination with the secretary of state and the secretary of homeland security, for foreign nationals whose travel is determined to advance a critical U.S. national interest involving the Department of Justice.
  • Foreign nationals whose travel is to serve a U.S. national interest, as determined by the secretary of state, in coordination with the secretary of homeland security.
  • Asylees and refugees already admitted to the United States.
  • Foreign nationals granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention against Torture (CAT).11

Ìý

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍøÌýINSIGHTS

  • Nationality-based travel bans were implemented by executive order during President Trump’s first term (2017-2021).12 ÌýThese travel bans were subject to legal challenge, but the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately held that the president has broad power to suspend entry of foreign nationals due to national security concerns.13Ìý The Court also held that laws prohibiting nationality-based discrimination do not limit the president’s power to determine who may enter the United States.14
  • Nationals of the countries facing restrictions on U.S. entry as of June 9, 2025, should consult with legal counsel to determine specifically how the restrictions will impact them.
  • The U.S. Department of State is expected to issue guidance on the implementation of the proclamation, including details of how to apply for a stated exception.
  • The proclamation is not expected to impact change or extension of status filings submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Given the fluidity of the travel ban, it is advisable for anyone impacted by the proclamation to enter the U.S. with a valid visa before June 9, 2025. ÌýWe further recommend that anyone currently in the U.S. and subject to the proclamation consult with immigration counsel before departing the United States.
  • ÌýEgyptian nationals should be prepared for potential U.S. entry restrictions.

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP in Canada is tracking this matter closely. ÌýWe will endeavor to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert posted on any important developments as and when they occur.

FOOTNOTES:

1Ìý Proclamation, June 4, 2025, "."

The White House, �.�

Readers may also wish to listen to (or read the transcript of) the State Department spokesperson answering questions relating to the proclamation at �,� with Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Washington, D.C., June 5, 2025.

2Ìý Ibid.

3Ìý Ibid.

4Ìý Ibid.

5Ìý Ibid.

6Ìý Ibid.

7Ìý Ibid.

8Ìý Ibid.

9Ìý Ibid.

10Ìý Ibid.

11Ìý Ibid.

12Ìý See .

13Ìý .

14 Ibid.

Contacts

laura-wong
Laura Wong

Manager, U.S. Immigration

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Canada

Elizabeth Nanton
Elizabeth Nanton

Partner and U.S. Immigration Practice Leader, ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Canada

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* Please note the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

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