Summary of Presidential Proclamation Issued on June 4, 2025
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Threats.”
The administration cites national security and public safety as the primary reasons for the new travel restrictions. According to the Proclamation, the decision was based on several factors, including each country’s:
- Screening and vetting capabilities
- Information-sharing practices
- Terrorist activity within its borders
- Visa overstay rates
- Cooperation in accepting deported nationals
Effective Date
- Begins: Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT
- Applies only to individuals outside the U.S. at that time who do not possess a valid visa
Travel Restrictions Overview
Full Travel Ban
Entry is fully suspended for immigrant and nonimmigrant nationals from the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Partial Travel Ban
Entry is restricted for immigrant, B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visa holders from the following countries. Other nonimmigrant visa durations may also be shortened (likely to minimum reciprocity terms):
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Possible Future Restrictions
- Egypt: U.S. agencies are ordered to review current conditions for possible future inclusion.
Exemptions
The Proclamation does not apply to:
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals if entering with a passport from a non-listed country
- Holders of the following visa types: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6
- Athletes and coaches participating in major international sporting events
- Immediate relatives (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and relationship (e.g., DNA)
- Adoption-related visa holders (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders
- Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees
- Immigrant visa applicants from persecuted ethnic/religious minorities in Iran
- Individuals granted asylum, refugee status, or withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Important: The Proclamation does not restrict individuals from seeking asylum, refugee status, or protection under CAT.
Case-by-Case Waivers
The Attorney General and Secretary of State (or their designees) may grant individual waivers if travel supports U.S. national interests—e.g., witness participation in criminal proceedings. Criteria for these waivers remain vague, suggesting highly limited and inconsistent use.
Ongoing Review
Every 90 days (initially) and every 180 days thereafter, federal agencies must assess and report on whether to maintain, revise, or end the restrictions.
Second Proclamation: Restrictions Targeting Harvard University
Also issued on June 4, 2025, a separate proclamation titled “Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University” includes the following measures:
- Suspends entry of F, J, and M visa holders beginning studies or exchange programs at Harvard after June 4, 2025
- Directs the Secretary of State to consider revoking current visas of Harvard students in F, M, or J status
- Allows national interest exceptions (as determined by the Secretary of State, DHS, or their designees)
- Subject to review within 90 days for potential extension
This proclamation specifically targets foreign nationals entering the U.S. primarily to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard. It does not apply to students attending other institutions.