1. What is the travel ban?
On June 5, 2025, the Trump administration issued a list of countries that are subject to a total or partial travel ban. The travel ban applies to foreign nationals who were born or are a citizen of one of the 19 listed countries who are not present in the U.S. on June 9, 2025 and do not hold a valid entry visa on June 9, 2025.
If you were born in or are a citizen of one of the listed countries, you will face entry bans or restrictions. The travel ban does not apply to U.S. citizens or green card holders.
2. What is the effective date?
The effective date is June 9, 2025.
3. What countries are on the list?
Please see below for a list of countries.
Countries in red have full visa suspensions – These countries face complete suspension of all immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuances, preventing their citizens/nationals from obtaining any type of U.S. visa.
Countries in orange have restricted visa suspensions – These countries face complete suspension of all immigrant visa issuances, and non-immigrant visa issuance in the B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visa categories.
4. Should you travel?
If your country of birth or citizenship is listed on the banned or restricted list and you are currently in the U.S., you SHOULD NOT travel internationally. If you are currently traveling and have a valid visa stamp to enter the U.S., you should return before June 9, 2025.
5. Should you continue the EB-3 unskilled program?
Even with the changing immigration landscape, the EB-3 unskilled program is still one of the fastest and most versatile ways to obtain a green card. The travel ban does not impact LC approval or I-140 approval, and these processes will continue as normal.
For AOS clients who are currently in the U.S. in valid status, the travel ban does not impact your ability to file or obtain a green card once your priority date is current. You are still eligible for the EB3-unskilled green card so long as you stay in the U.S.
For Consular clients, if you are from an impacted country, there may be restrictions on your ability to obtain the immigrant visa when your priority date becomes current. However, travel bans from the prior Trump administration faced significant legal challenges. What countries are impacted by the ban, the scope of the ban, and how long the ban will be in place, is likely to change over time.
Even if you are from an impacted country, for now, we recommend continuing the program. The EB3 process takes several years, and the list could be different or completely gone by the time your priority date is current and you can obtain the green card.
6. Are dual citizens subject to the travel ban?
No. If you are a dual citizen/national of a banned country, but you are traveling on a valid passport for a non-banned country, you are exempt.
7. Are there any exceptions to the ban?
There are a number of exceptions to the ban, such as people who have an immediate relative, family-based petition in progress, certain specific visa types, and those whose travel serves a critical U.S. interest. However, these are very specific exceptions that won’t apply to most foreign nationals. You should speak with your immigration attorney if you believe you qualify for an exception.
8. Can countries be added to or taken off the list?
Yes. The executive order requires the U.S. Department of State and other agencies to do a periodic review of the list within 90 days of the June 5, 2025 order, and every 180 days after that. BDV and its attorneys will continue to monitor the list and keep you informed of updates.
Additional questions? Reach out via BDV chat if you have any questions. Our attorneys and Government Relations Team are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as this situation develops. We are here for you.