Trump Travel Ban News Today: Expanded Restrictions Set to Take Effect

President Donald Trump has announced a significant expansion of the U.S. travel ban, targeting nationals from 19 countries. The new restrictions, effective June 9, 2025, are part of the administration's efforts to enhance national security and address concerns over inadequate vetting procedures. 

What Is the New Travel Ban?

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation implementing a new travel ban affecting nationals from 19 countries. The ban prohibits or restricts entry to the U.S. for individuals who are outside the country and do not hold a valid visa as of June 9, 2025. 

Twelve countries face a full entry ban, while seven others are subject to partial restrictions. The administration claims the move is based on national security concerns, citing inadequate vetting procedures and high visa overstay rates in the listed countries. 

Countries Affected by the Travel Ban

Full Entry Ban (Red List)

The following countries are subject to a complete ban on entry:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

Partial Restrictions (Orange List)

The following countries face partial restrictions affecting immigrant entries and certain non-immigrant visa categories:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

Exceptions to the Ban

The new travel ban includes several exceptions:

• Lawful permanent U.S. residents

• Dual nationals

• Diplomats

• Athletes traveling for major sporting events

• Specific immigrant visa holders, such as family reunification, adoption cases, Afghan and U.S. government special immigrant visas, and persecuted Iranian minorities

Visas granted before the effective date will not be revoked under the new proclamation. 

Reactions and Legal Challenges

The decision has drawn strong opposition from Democrats and immigrant rights advocates, who call it discriminatory and label it a political maneuver rather than a genuine security measure. Critics argue the current administration lacks a compelling justification for this expansion and warn of its negative impacts on families, refugees, and U.S. communities. 

Legal challenges are expected, and immigration lawyers report rising concerns from affected individuals.

Summary Table

Key Takeaways

• The new travel ban affects nationals from 19 countries, with 12 facing a full entry ban and 7 subject to partial restrictions.

• The administration cites national security concerns and inadequate vetting procedures as the basis for the ban.

• Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, dual nationals, diplomats, athletes, and specific immigrant visa holders.

• The decision has sparked strong opposition and legal challenges from various groups.

Conclusion

The newly expanded Trump travel ban marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration and national security policy. With 19 countries now subject to either full or partial restrictions, the impact will be far-reaching — affecting not only foreign nationals but also U.S.-based families, businesses, and institutions that rely on global mobility.

While the administration defends the policy as a necessary step for safeguarding national interests, critics argue it disproportionately targets vulnerable populations and lacks a clear legal or humanitarian justification. Legal challenges are already surfacing, and the coming weeks are likely to bring further debate in both public and legal arenas.