President Trump has issued two major proclamations restricting visa issuance and entry to the U.S., one targeting 19 countries and another specifically blocking new international students from enrolling at Harvard University. Find out who the bans apply to

On June 5, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed two new presidential proclamations with sweeping immigration consequences. 

The first is a broad travel ban affecting nationals of 19 countries. 

The second, more targeted, directly impacts Harvard University by banning new F, M, and J visa issuance to foreign nationals intending to start their studies there.

These proclamations take immediate or near-immediate effect and could have significant consequences for international students, families, workers, and travelers from affected regions.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Who Is Affected by the Nationality-Based Travel Ban?

The broader travel ban applies starting June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM ET. It suspends visa issuance for both immigrants and nonimmigrants from 12 countries, and partially for 7 additional countries.

- Full Ban (Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas): Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen.

- Partial Ban (Immigrant + B, F, M, J Visas): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela. 

Foreign nationals from these countries will not be issued new visas after June 9 unless they qualify for narrow exceptions. Importantly, those already in the U.S. or holding valid visas as of June 9 are not affected.

Additionally, consular officers may shorten visa validity even for visa categories that are not fully suspended, although it remains unclear how that will be implemented.

Who Is Exempt from the Travel Bans?

Not everyone is impacted. Exemptions include:

- Individuals inside the U.S. on June 9, 2025.

- Travelers with valid visas as of that date.

- U.S. green card holders.

- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-listed country.

- Those applying for immediate relative family-based immigrant visas with proof of relationship.

- Certain athletes, coaches, and support staff attending international sporting events.

- Holders of diplomatic or official visas (e.g., A, G, NATO visa types).

- Special visa categories, including adoption and humanitarian relief.

- The bans do not affect refugees already admitted, those granted asylum, or individuals protected under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Harvard University: Immediate Ban on New International Students

The second proclamation – already in effect – bans the issuance of F, M, and J visas for foreign nationals who wish to start studies at Harvard University. This suspension will last for at least six months, and potentially longer.

Key elements:

- Applies to students starting a program at Harvard.

- Also authorizes review of visa revocation for current Harvard students in F/M/J status.

- Agencies are instructed to assess Harvard’s participation in SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).

Only those granted a national interest exemption may still be allowed to apply. The process for obtaining such an exemption has not been outlined yet.

What Should You Do If You Are Affected?

If you're from one of the 19 countries and are currently abroad, try to enter the U.S. before June 9.

If you’re planning to attend Harvard, contact your school’s international office (DSO) and immigration counsel immediately.

Stay alert for court challenges, which are expected—particularly against the Harvard ban.

Watch for updated guidance from the U.S. Department of State on exception procedures and implementation.

Background: Trump and Travel Bans

President Trump used travel bans frequently during his first term (2017-2021), many of which were challenged in court. In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld a nationality-based ban in Trump v. Hawaii, affirming the president’s power to restrict entry for national security reasons.

Similar bans were used during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit entry based on country or visa type, including sweeping restrictions on H-1B, L-1, H-2B, and J-1 visa holders.

Trump's return to office in January 2025 signaled a shift back to stricter immigration enforcement. These latest proclamations follow an executive order requiring government agencies to review entry risks by nationality. The 19 countries listed were recommended in a government report submitted in April 2025.

What Happens Next?

- The State Department is expected to issue implementation details and define exception processes.

- Legal and political backlash is likely. Advocacy groups and universities may file legal challenges.

- The affected country list will be reviewed every 180 days, and Egypt is under separate review for possible inclusion.

If you're from one of the U.S. impacted countries or planning to study at Harvard, you may face serious immigration hurdles. Consult immigration experts immediately and follow updates closely.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates as new information becomes available.

As a reminder! The US is significantly changing its policy towards international students in 2025. We have already told you why student visa interviews were suspended, what new deportation risks have emerged, what caused the scandal around Harvard, and how students can avoid violations and maintain their status.

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