The Trump administration recently announced that it is considering a new and broader travel ban that could affect citizens from up to 43 countries. This proposal is expected to go far beyond the original travel restrictions he introduced during his first term — and it is already raising serious concerns for travelers, students, professionals, and families across multiple continents. Contact our immigration attorney in New York if you think this development may affect you.
A closer look at the proposed categories
A three-tiered system is being proposed to classify the affected countries. Each tier will correspond to different restriction levels:
- Full visa suspension may be imposed on Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Bhutan, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, meaning that that their citizens would no longer be allowed to enter the US for any reason.
- Partial visa suspension may be imposed on Haiti, Eritrea, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, which may face targeted restrictions on certain types of visas.
- Another 26 countries may face a probationary 60-day review. The list in this tier includes Pakistan, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. If these countries do not demonstrate improved security and vetting procedures within that time, they could face additional restrictions or partial suspensions from the US.
The proposal has not yet been finalized and the list is currently under review, awaiting sign-off from senior US officials (including the Secretary of State).
How this differs from the original travel ban
Trump’s first travel ban (introduced in 2017) focused on several Muslim-majority nations and sparked widespread legal battles. Courts eventually narrowed the scope of the original policy before it took effect.
In contrast, the proposed 2025 version would be much broader. It includes new countries that weren’t targeted before — such as Belarus and Haiti — and casts a much wider net. The justification behind this expanded list ties back to the administration’s concerns over national security and what it sees as insufficient screening measures in certain countries.
According to officials, some governments fail to consistently share information about their citizens with US agencies — such as criminal records and known terrorist affiliations. Others lack reliable identity verification systems that make it difficult for US authorities to confirm an applicant’s background or assess potential security risks. The administration argues that this lack of transparency and vetting capacity leaves the US vulnerable to threats.
By placing countries on notice or banning travel altogether, the proposed policy aims to pressure foreign governments to strengthen their internal security protocols and improve data-sharing agreements. However, critics argue that these sweeping restrictions unfairly penalize innocent travelers and strain diplomatic relationships without providing meaningful improvements to safety.
What this could mean for travel and immigration
- Individuals from banned countries could find themselves unable to enter the US, regardless of their reason for travel. That could block family reunifications and cancel student exchanges, as well as halt work-related visits.
- It’s not yet clear whether current visa holders from these countries will see their visas revoked. But without clear guidance, many are left unsure if they can stay in the US or return if they travel abroad.
- People from countries facing partial bans may find it more difficult to secure student or work visas. This could derail academic and professional opportunities for many.
What individuals from affected countries should consider
If you’re from one of the countries listed in the proposal, it’s important to prepare for possible changes:
- Expect delays or denials. You may encounter barriers to renewing or applying for a visa depending on your country’s classification. Consular officers may now have additional discretion to deny your application based on national-level security concerns, even if you meet all eligibility requirements.
- If you already have a valid US visa, don’t assume it will remain valid. The government may reexamine existing visas, particularly for individuals from countries under full suspension. You could face difficulty reentering the US after international travel or see your visa revoked with little notice.
- Even if you hold legal status, you may be subject to increased screening if you have participated in protests or have been associated with flagged groups, especially if US officials believe that your actions pose a perceived risk to national security.
- Stay informed and seek legal guidance. It’s prudent to talk to an immigration attorney in New York who can assess your risk level and help you respond to new requirements.
Contact Berd & Klauss, PLLC, at 212-461-7152 or email [email protected] to schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney in New York to get legal advice regarding these developments.