Tuesday Immigration Update

Trump Administration Considers Adding 36 Countries to Travel Ban

On June 15, 2025, reports revealed that the Trump administration is moving to expand its travel ban, with new visa restrictions targeting citizens from 36 countries.  The administration cites vague national security concerns, but critics argue the policy continues a pattern of discriminatory and politically motivated immigration restrictions.
The Expanded Travel Ban:  36 Countries Affected
Full bans are expected for nationals from the following 12 countries:

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

Partial restrictions—which may limit specific visa categories or intensify screening—are expected for 24 additional countries:

• Angola
  
• Belarus
  
• Bhutan
  
• Burkina Faso
  
• Burundi
  
• Cambodia
  
• Cameroon
  
• Central African Republic
  
• China
  
• Cuba
  
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
  
• Laos
  
• Mauritania
  
• Niger
  
• North Korea
  
• Papua New Guinea
  
• Russia
  
• Sierra Leone
  
• South Sudan
  
• Tajikistan
  
• Togo
  
• Turkmenistan
  
• Uzbekistan
  
• Venezuela
  

The policy is expected to take effect on June 20, 2025, and will not cancel existing visas, but will bar issuance of new ones for most individuals from these countries, with limited exemptions.
Who Is Exempt?
According to the proposal, exemptions will apply to:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
  
• Accredited diplomats
  
• Athletes traveling to participate in international sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup
  

Despite these carve-outs, advocates warn that the practical impact will be significant, especially for students, workers, and families from these nations who rely on legal visa channels.
Response and CriticismEarly international response has been swift and negative.  Chad has announced a halt to U.S. visa processing in retaliation.  The African Union expressed serious concerns over the policy’s impact on commerce, education, and scientific collaboration.
Immigration rights groups emphasize that these bans mirror those from the Trump administration’s first term—measures that were widely criticized for targeting Muslim-majority and African countries under the guise of national security.
Many fear this expanded ban will:

• Disrupt university enrollment and academic exchange
  
• Exacerbate staffing shortages in U.S. healthcare and tech sectors
  
• Further damage U.S. diplomatic relationships
  

Looking Ahead
As legal and political challenges are likely to follow, the full consequences of this policy will unfold over the coming months.  But one thing is clear:  these sweeping restrictions represent a renewed attempt to limit legal immigration from diverse regions under questionable pretenses.
📌 Concerned about how this may impact you or your loved ones?
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Visit www.stommesimmigration.com for updates, legal analysis, and one-on-one guidance.  Our team is here to help you stay informed and prepared in uncertain times.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].