Partial Visa Restrictions Also Imposed on 7 More Nations Amid National Security Concerns
Washington D.C., June 9, 2025 — A new travel ban announced by U.S. President Donald Trump has officially come into force today, barring citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. The order, signed on June 4, also imposes partial visa restrictions on seven additional countries, citing concerns over terrorism, national security, and misuse of immigration laws.
The executive order marks one of the most significant immigration measures of Trump’s second term and has reignited debates over the balance between border control and civil liberties.
Details of the Ban
According to the U.S. State Department:
A full ban means most citizens from the 12 targeted countries are restricted from obtaining tourist, student, work, and immigration visas.
A partial ban applies limited restrictions to seven countries, affecting specific visa categories such as work or immigration, while allowing others like tourist or student visas.
President Trump’s Justification
President Trump defended the action as essential for the safety of American citizens.
“It is necessary to keep America safe from foreign citizens who attempt to carry out terrorist attacks, damage national security, spread hatred, or misuse immigration laws,” Trump said during a White House briefing on June 4.
He also called for stricter visa screening, especially for immigrants who could potentially pose threats after entering the U.S.
“Once people arrive on immigration visas and become permanent residents, it becomes difficult to remove them even if security concerns arise,” he added.
Afghanistan and Myanmar Highlighted
The executive order singles out Afghanistan, now under Taliban control, as a major concern. The U.S. government claims that the country lacks proper identification systems and a competent authority to validate documents or cooperate on security checks.
Myanmar has also been flagged for high rates of visa overstays and lack of cooperation in repatriation efforts. Government data shows:
27.07% of Myanmar citizens on B1/B2 visas overstay.
42.17% on student and exchange visas (F, M, J categories) remain in the U.S. beyond the allowed period.
A Look Back at the 2017 Ban
This is not the first such move by President Trump. In 2017, during his first term, he issued a controversial travel ban targeting mostly Muslim-majority nations including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The policy was widely criticized but later revised to include non-Muslim countries like North Korea and Venezuela to avoid charges of religious discrimination.
Legal and Diplomatic Reactions Expected
The latest ban is expected to face legal scrutiny and diplomatic reactions from affected countries and human rights organizations. However, the Trump administration maintains that these steps are essential to strengthen the country’s borders and uphold its security framework.
He also called for stricter visa screening, especially for immigrants who could potentially pose threats after entering the U.S.
“Once people arrive on immigration visas and become permanent residents, it becomes difficult to remove them even if security concerns arise,” he added.
Afghanistan and Myanmar Highlighted
The executive order singles out Afghanistan, now under Taliban control, as a major concern. The U.S. government claims that the country lacks proper identification systems and a competent authority to validate documents or cooperate on security checks.
Myanmar has also been flagged for high rates of visa overstays and lack of cooperation in repatriation efforts. Government data shows:
27.07% of Myanmar citizens on B1/B2 visas overstay.
42.17% on student and exchange visas (F, M, J categories) remain in the U.S. beyond the allowed period.
A Look Back at the 2017 Ban
This is not the first such move by President Trump. In 2017, during his first term, he issued a controversial travel ban targeting mostly Muslim-majority nations including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The policy was widely criticized but later revised to include non-Muslim countries like North Korea and Venezuela to avoid charges of religious discrimination.
Legal and Diplomatic Reactions Expected
The latest ban is expected to face legal scrutiny and diplomatic reactions from affected countries and human rights organizations. However, the Trump administration maintains that these steps are essential to strengthen the country’s borders and uphold its security framework.
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