Immigration restrictions pushed by President Donald Trump remain in effect, but the list of countries and the scope of the bans have changed since the original announcement. That is why, before you start any process, it helps to know what applies today and what no longer does.
If you or a family member could be affected, Curbelo Law’s immigration lawyers in New Jersey can review your case based on your nationality, the visa type, and where you are in the process.
On this page
Countries included in the first 2025 restrictions list
With the initial 2025 proclamation, the federal government broadly blocked entry and the issuance of certain visas for citizens of these 12 countries:
- Afghanistan.
- Burma (Myanmar).
- Chad.
- Republic of the Congo.
- Equatorial Guinea.
- Eritrea.
- Haiti.
- Iran.
- Libya.
- Somalia.
- Sudan.
- Yemen.
That said, having a visa issued before the measure or having a Green Card can change the picture. These restrictions do not always apply the same way to people who already had valid immigration status.
Countries with partial restrictions during that same stage
That same proclamation also set partial limitations for nationals of 7 other countries:
- Burundi.
- Cuba.
- Laos.
- Sierra Leone.
- Togo.
- Turkmenistan.
- Venezuela.
For this group, the bans did not cover every visa category. Depending on the case, they could affect B-2 tourist visas or student visas, while certain official or diplomatic travel remained excluded.
Current list of countries affected by these restrictions
Since early 2026, the list is no longer limited to the initial 2025 proclamation. Today, the framework distinguishes between countries with broad suspensions, countries with partial restrictions, and a few cases where the scope was adjusted.
Countries with broad suspension
Under the current list, the broad suspension applies to these countries:
- Afghanistan.
- Burma (Myanmar).
- Burkina Faso.
- Chad.
- Republic of the Congo.
- Equatorial Guinea.
- Eritrea.
- Haiti.
- Iran.
- Laos.
- Libya.
- Mali.
- Niger.
- Sierra Leone.
- Somalia.
- Sudan.
- South Sudan.
- Syria.
- Yemen.
Countries with partial restrictions
In addition, the current list maintains or adds partial restrictions for nationals of these countries:
- Angola.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Benin.
- Burundi.
- Côte d’Ivoire.
- Cuba.
- Dominica.
- Gabon.
- The Gambia.
- Malawi.
- Mauritania.
- Nigeria.
- Senegal.
- Tanzania.
- Togo.
- Tonga.
- Venezuela.
- Zambia.
- Zimbabwe.
As for Turkmenistan, the situation changed compared to the original list. A later proclamation modified how it is treated, so it no longer appears the same way it did in the first 2025 version.
Who these restrictions can affect today
The real impact depends on nationality, when the visa was issued, the type of process, and whether the person is inside or outside the United States. Still, in general terms, these measures tend to affect:
- People who planned to apply for a temporary visa from a country under full or partial suspension.
- Families with active consular processing who may face delays, additional screening, or a pause in the case.
- Students, workers, or visitors seeking to enter the United States for the first time with a new visa.
- Applicants seeking immigration relief or humanitarian protection who need to confirm whether an exception, waiver, or alternative may be available.
How the restrictions framework works
These proclamations do not operate as a single, uniform ban for everyone. In practice, the framework can include different levels, such as:
- A broad bar on entry and on visa issuance for citizens of certain countries.
- Partial limits on specific visa categories, with rules that change depending on the country and the applicant’s profile.
- Exceptions or waivers for lawful permanent residents, certain holders of valid visas, official categories, and other specific situations.
These rules can also be updated through new proclamations or federal government reviews. That is why it is not recommended to rely only on an outdated list or general information.
What to review before filing an application
Before you begin any process, it is worth confirming a few points that can make a major difference in the outcome:
- Whether your country remains in the same category or was added in a later update.
- Whether you already had a valid visa before the date the relevant proclamation took effect.
- Whether your case fits within an exempt category, or whether there is a basis to request an individual exception.
- Whether you have another immigration pathway, such as adjustment of status, an ongoing family petition, or other relief that may apply.
Submitting an application without confirming these details can lead to delays, avoidable expenses, or a denial that might not have happened with a better strategy.
What you can do if your country is affected by these measures
If you or a family member has the nationality of a country covered by these restrictions, the safest approach is to move forward with up-to-date information and evaluate the full case before taking any step.
- Do not start any filing until you confirm whether the restriction applies to you directly.
- Keep copies of valid visas, consular notices, receipts, and any prior immigration documents.
- Check whether there is a legal exception, an individual waiver, or a visa category that is not affected in your situation.
- Explore as early as possible whether a different immigration route offers a safer option for you or your family.
How Curbelo Law can help if your nationality is subject to restrictions
If you or a family member is a citizen of an affected country, our team can determine whether the restriction truly applies to you, identify whether any exception or waiver is available, and evaluate alternatives such as:
In situations like these, timely legal counsel can help prevent costly mistakes and allow you to make decisions with greater confidence.
