U.S. Travel Ban: 12 Countries Including Iran Face Entry Restrictions Under New Policy
U.S. Travel Ban: On June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation enforcing a new travel ban targeting nationals from 12 countries, including Iran. This decision was prompted by national security concerns following a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national with an expired visa. Although Egypt is not among the banned countries, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. immigration system, leading to the implementation of stricter measures.
tries Affected by the Full Travel Ban
The full travel ban applies to the following 12 countries:
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Afghanistan
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Burma (Myanmar)
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Chad
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Republic of the Congo
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Equatorial Guinea
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Eritrea
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Haiti
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Iran
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Libya
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Somalia
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Sudan
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Yemen
Citizens from these countries are barred from entering the United States entirely. Additionally, a partial ban has been imposed on seven other nations, including Cuba and Venezuela, which restricts immigration and certain visas but allows some temporary visits.
Reasons Behind the Ban
President Trump cited several reasons for the ban:
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National Security Threats: Concerns over potential terrorist threats and ideological extremism.
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Inadequate Vetting Processes: Some countries, like Afghanistan under Taliban control, lack reliable systems to verify the identities of their citizens.
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Visa Overstays: High rates of visa overstays strain U.S. law enforcement and public safety resources.
The administration emphasized that these measures are necessary to protect the U.S. from terrorism and to ensure the integrity of its immigration system.
Controversy and Criticism
The travel ban has sparked significant controversy and is expected to face legal challenges. Critics argue that the ban is discriminatory and undermines U.S. values and global relations. Notably, the exclusion of Pakistan—a country often associated with terrorism—has raised questions. Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney suggests that this omission may reflect an underlying anti-India bias within the U.S. ‘Deep State,’ referring to unelected officials influencing policy decisions.
This move revisits President Trump’s controversial 2017 travel ban, often referred to as the “Muslim ban,” which faced legal challenges before a revised version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The current ban reflects the administration’s continued focus on strict immigration policies during Trump’s second term.