New Travel Ban Effective June 9, 2025
A major update in U.S. immigration policy could impact individuals applying for immigrant visas (IV), K-1 fiancé(e) visas, and nonimmigrant visas (NIV).
A major update in U.S. immigration policy could impact individuals applying for immigrant visas (IV), K-1 fiancé(e) visas, and nonimmigrant visas (NIV). Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing — New Travel Ban Effective June 9, 2025
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation invoking sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, banning or restricting entry to the U.S. for nationals from 19 countries, effective on June 9.
Full ban (no IV or NIV issuance): Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Partial restrictions (no immigrant visas, and severe limits on visitor/student/exchange visas B, F, M, J): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Who Is and Isn't Affected
Already issued visas (IV, K-1 or NIV) granted before June 9 remain valid; they will not be revoked.
New applications from the 19 affected countries, for any category, will be denied unless a narrow exception applies.
Exceptions include green card holders, diplomatic or A/G visas, dual nationals using a safe passport, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visas (like Afghan SIVs), and certain national-interest or waiver cases.
What This Means for IV, K-1, and NIV Clients
Those filing immigrant visa (family- or employment-based) or K-1 fiancé(e) petition from full-ban countries will be unable to schedule interviews or receive visas at consulates.
Applicants from partially restricted countries cannot apply for new tourist, student, or exchange visas, nor any green card unless they qualify for compelling exceptions.
K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants, even with petitions approved, will face delays if their country is on the full-ban list—unless they qualify under narrow exceptions.
Some already-approved visas may still be used to travel, but expect extra scrutiny at ports of entry.
Possible Legal Challenges Ahead
Civil rights and immigration advocates have already begun organizing potential lawsuits, claiming the ban is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Lawsuits may be filed in federal court within days or weeks.
Judges could issue temporary injunctions to halt enforcement while litigation proceeds.
The final outcome may ultimately rest with the Supreme Court, especially if fast-tracked.
What You Should Do Now
If you are from an affected country and in the middle of applying:
Postpone new applications, unless you clearly qualify for an exception.
If your visa is already approved: plan for possible delays and extra scrutiny at entry.
If this policy impacts your case, we recommend:
Seek legal advice.
We’re Here to Help
If you're affected by this travel ban, please reach out immediately. We can:
Review whether you qualify for any of the listed exceptions or waivers.
Advise on possible options.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys at 414.533.5000.