Important Updates
Important Updates
June 5, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Proposed Law Seeks to Expand Citizenship by Descent Eligibility
June 6, 2025 | TaiwanTaiwan: Visa-Free Entry for Dominican Republic Nationals Ends
June 6, 2025 | United StatesThe Hollywood Reporter: Will Trump Torch L.A.’s Olympics?
June 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for Nepal
June 5, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Standard: Could Social Media Silence Cost You a US Student Visa? Experts Weigh In
June 5, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Proposed Law Seeks to Expand Citizenship by Descent Eligibility
June 6, 2025 | TaiwanTaiwan: Visa-Free Entry for Dominican Republic Nationals Ends
June 6, 2025 | United StatesThe Hollywood Reporter: Will Trump Torch L.A.’s Olympics?
June 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for Nepal
June 5, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Standard: Could Social Media Silence Cost You a US Student Visa? Experts Weigh In
June 5, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Proposed Law Seeks to Expand Citizenship by Descent Eligibility
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

United States: President Trump Issues Nationality-Based Travel Ban for 19 Countries and a Six-Month F/M/J Ban for New Study at Harvard

June 5, 2025

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a glance

  • President Trump has issued two proclamations that limit visa issuance and travel to the United States.
  • One of the proclamations is a long-anticipated travel ban that affects immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance for 19 countries, effective June 9, 2025. It does not apply to those who are physically present in the United States on June 9 or have a valid visa on that date.
  • The second proclamation bans visa issuance and entry to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States in F, M, or J status in order to begin attendance at Harvard University. This ban is effective immediately and will remain in effect for at least six months. A court challenge is anticipated.

The issue

President Trump has signed two presidential proclamations limiting visa issuance and travel to the United States. The first is a long-anticipated proclamation imposing visa and travel restrictions on the nationals of 19 countries, with an effective date of 12:01 am ET on June 9, 2025. This nationality-based proclamation suspends both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance for 12 of the affected countries; for the remaining seven countries, it suspends issuance of immigrant visas and only B, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas. There are also various exceptions that may apply to nationals of any affected country, and importantly, no nonimmigrant or immigrant visa that was issued before June 9 will be revoked as a result of the new ban.

The second proclamation (the “Harvard proclamation”) suspends F, M, and J visa issuance and entry to any individual seeking to begin a course of study at Harvard University, effective immediately and remaining in effect for at least six months. The Harvard proclamation also directs the Secretary of State to consider whether any F, M, or J visa holders currently attending Harvard should have their visas revoked, and directs several agencies to review whether limitations should be imposed on the school’s participation in the SEVP system, which is required to enroll international students. Exceptions to the F, M, and J visa issuance ban can be made for foreign nationals whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretaries of State or Homeland Security. The process for exceptions has not yet been specified.

Nationality-based restrictions

The nationality-based proclamation suspends both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance to the United States for nationals of the following twelve countries:

  • Afghanistan
  • Burma
  • Chad
  • Republic of Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Yemen

For nationals of the following countries, the proclamation suspends immigrant visa issuance, as well as nonimmigrant visa issuance in the B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visa classifications:

  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Laos
  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela

For the seven countries with partial nonimmigrant suspensions, the proclamation also directs consular officers to reduce the validity of any visa issued in a non-suspended nonimmigrant classification “to the extent permitted by law.” It is not yet clear by what measure consulates will limit visa validity.  

Scope of nationality-based ban

By its terms, and subject to certain exceptions listed below, the proclamation only applies to nationals of the above 19 countries who:

  • Are outside of the United States on June 9, 2025; and
  • Do not have a valid visa on June 9, 2025.

Foreign nationals not covered by the nationality-based ban

The following categories of travelers will be exempt from the proclamation’s travel restrictions:

  • Foreign nationals who are in the United States on June 9, 2025, regardless of their immigration status;
  • Foreign nationals who have a valid visa in any category as of June 9, 2025;
  • U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
  • Dual nationals of a country designated in the proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country;
  • Those applying for immediate relative family-based immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA);
  • Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, those performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
  • Any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications:  A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO‑2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6;
  • Those apply for the following visa types: adoption (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4); Afghan Special Immigrant Visas; Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees; and immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
  • Those whose travel is deemed to advance a critical U.S. national interest involving the Department of Justice as determined by the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security; and
  • Those whose travel is deemed to serve a U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security. 

The proclamation will not apply to anyone who has been granted asylum, to refugees already admitted to the United States, or to those granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The order also states that the new restrictions do not limit the ability of an individual to seek these types of relief, but it is unclear how this would apply to prospective refugees who are outside of the United States on June 9.

The exemption for foreign nationals who have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025 means that these individuals should be able to enter the United States on their existing visa, and also suggests that they should be able to apply for new visas in the same or a different category after June 9 and be admitted on the new visa(s). In addition, based on the language of the proclamation and how similar bans were interpreted during the first Trump Administration, the exemption for foreign nationals physically in the United States on June 9 should mean that these foreign nationals should be able to travel internationally, apply for a new visa in the same or a different category on or after June 9, and be readmitted to the United States. However, we anticipate that clarifying guidance will be issued on the scope of these two exemptions in the coming days.

Periodic review of the list of travel ban countries

There will be a periodic government review of the list of travel ban countries to assess whether the restrictions should be continued, modified, suspended, or supplemented. Within 90 days of the proclamation and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of Intelligence, must submit a report to President Trump providing recommendations on the current restrictions.

The proclamation also specifically requires the Secretary of State to provide an updated review of Egypt – which is not currently included in the travel ban list – to determine whether some level of travel restrictions should be imposed on Egyptian nationals.  

Background on nationality-based travel bans

At the start of the first Trump Administration beginning in January 2017, President Trump issued several nationality-based travel bans through executive order, all of which were challenged in court. In June 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld one of these bans that imposed restrictions on certain nationals of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. In Trump v. Hawaii, the Court held that the ban’s travel restrictions were within the President’s broad powers to suspend the entry of foreign nationals because the restrictions were rationally related to U.S. national security objectives. The Court also held that the laws prohibiting nationality-based discrimination do not limit the President’s power to determine who may enter the United States.

Starting in early 2020, as the COVID pandemic spread, President Trump issued several other travel bans, some related to presence in a country with high rates of COVID, and some solely on the basis of nonimmigrant category, alleging negative impact of these visa types on the U.S. labor market. In June 2020, President Trump imposed a general ban on H-1B, L-1, H-2B, and J-1 visa issuance and entry, regardless of nationality. The ban remained in place through March 2021, when the newly installed Biden administration let it expire.

Upon taking office for his second term in January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order requiring the State Department, DHS, DOJ, and the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report identifying countries for which entry restrictions may be recommended. The agencies submitted that recommendation report on April 9, 2025.

What these proclamations mean

Nationals of the affected travel ban countries should determine whether they are subject to the new restrictions, with the help of counsel where appropriate. To the extent possible, those affected by the nationality-based restrictions should return to the United States prior to June 9, when the proclamation takes effect. The Department of State is expected to issue guidance on the bans, including implementation details and procedures for seeking review under the stated exceptions.

Those subject to the Harvard proclamation should contact their DSO to determine the impact and any next steps. A court challenge is anticipated; students should remain vigilant for any developments.

Fragomen will provide further updates on the new restrictions as details become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

The Hollywood Reporter: Will Trump Torch L.A.’s Olympics?

San Diego Managing Partner Karine Wenger discussed the upcoming Olympic immigration landscape and potential challenges for international participants.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: Could Social Media Silence Cost You a US Student Visa? Experts Weigh In

Partner Daniel Pierce notes that limited social media activity or private accounts could lead to greater scrutiny for international students applying for US visas.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Grows Irish Operations with New Cork Office

Fragomen announces the opening of a new office in Cork, expanding its presence in Ireland to better support clients across the country's southern and western regions.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked in 2026 Edition of "Best Law Firms in Australia" by The Best Lawyers

Fragomen is ranked both nationally and locally in "Best Law Firms in Australia" by The Best Lawyers.

Learn more

Awards

Global Mobility Lawyer Recognises Fragomen's Wout van Doren and Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders

Global Mobility Lawyer recognises Senior Immigration Manager Wout van Doren and Manager Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: 30,000 jobs, AI growth: What Disneyland Abu Dhabi means for the UAE

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how Disneyland Abu Dhabi could impact hiring, Emiratisation and immigration planning in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

Space-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation

Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight

Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Learn more

Blog post

Unlocking Talent: Why Hiring Graduates on Immigration Permissions Is a Strategic Business Move

Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Hollywood Reporter: Will Trump Torch L.A.’s Olympics?

San Diego Managing Partner Karine Wenger discussed the upcoming Olympic immigration landscape and potential challenges for international participants.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: Could Social Media Silence Cost You a US Student Visa? Experts Weigh In

Partner Daniel Pierce notes that limited social media activity or private accounts could lead to greater scrutiny for international students applying for US visas.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Grows Irish Operations with New Cork Office

Fragomen announces the opening of a new office in Cork, expanding its presence in Ireland to better support clients across the country's southern and western regions.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked in 2026 Edition of "Best Law Firms in Australia" by The Best Lawyers

Fragomen is ranked both nationally and locally in "Best Law Firms in Australia" by The Best Lawyers.

Learn more

Awards

Global Mobility Lawyer Recognises Fragomen's Wout van Doren and Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders

Global Mobility Lawyer recognises Senior Immigration Manager Wout van Doren and Manager Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: 30,000 jobs, AI growth: What Disneyland Abu Dhabi means for the UAE

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how Disneyland Abu Dhabi could impact hiring, Emiratisation and immigration planning in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

Space-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation

Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight

Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Learn more

Blog post

Unlocking Talent: Why Hiring Graduates on Immigration Permissions Is a Strategic Business Move

Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.