BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
In my previous term, I implemented restrictions on foreign nationals entering the United States, a move that was upheld by the Supreme Court. In Executive Order 14161, issued on January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I emphasized our commitment to safeguarding American citizens from individuals who may pose a threat, whether through terrorism, harmful ideologies, or exploitation of our immigration laws.
It is imperative that the United States maintains vigilance during the visa-issuance process, ensuring that those permitted entry do not harbor intentions to harm American citizens or threaten our national interests. Furthermore, we must identify potential risks before granting admission. The goal is to ensure that those already in the U.S. do not exhibit hostility towards our citizens, culture, government, or founding principles, nor do they support foreign terrorists or other national security threats.
I tasked the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, with identifying countries that lack adequate vetting and screening measures, thereby justifying a suspension or partial suspension of admissions from those nations under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1182(f). Following this assessment, it was determined that several countries still present significant deficiencies in their screening processes. Many of these nations have historically taken advantage of our visa system and failed to accept back their nationals who are removable.
As President, it is my duty to act in the best interest of our national security and public safety. I remain committed to engaging with countries willing to enhance information-sharing and identity-management procedures to mitigate terrorism-related and public safety risks. Certain nationalities pose considerable risks of overstaying their visas in the U.S., which adds strain to our immigration and law enforcement systems and heightens various national security concerns.
Some countries face significant challenges in reforming their practices, while others have made commendable progress. However, until countries with identified inadequacies make necessary improvements, I have accepted recommendations from my Cabinet for specific conditional restrictions on admissions for certain categories of foreign nationals, as outlined in sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, hereby declare that, without the measures outlined in this proclamation, the entry of individuals described in sections 2 and 3 would detrimentally affect the interests of the United States, and thus their entry shall be subject to specific restrictions, limitations, and exceptions. I hereby proclaim the following:
Section 1. Policy and Purpose.
(a) The United States is committed to protecting its citizens from terrorist attacks and other threats to national security and public safety. Screening and vetting protocols associated with visa applications are essential for implementing this policy. These measures enhance our ability to identify foreign nationals who may engage in or support acts of terrorism or pose safety threats, thereby preventing their entry into the United States.
(b) Information-sharing and identity-management practices among foreign governments are critical for the effectiveness of U.S. screening and vetting processes. Governments are responsible for managing the identity and travel documents of their nationals and controlling the information they share with other governments, including data on known or suspected terrorists. Hence, it is the policy of the United States to encourage foreign governments to improve their information-sharing protocols and regularly provide their identity and threat information to U.S. immigration systems.
(c) Section 2(b) of Executive Order 14161 directed the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report identifying countries with inadequate vetting and screening capabilities within 60 days of the order.
(d) On April 9, 2025, the Secretary of State presented the aforementioned report, which recommended entry restrictions for nationals from several countries based on their deficient screening and vetting processes.
(e) In evaluating these recommendations, I consulted with key members of my Cabinet, including the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, and the Director of National Intelligence. I considered foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives, as well as each country’s capabilities in screening and vetting, information-sharing policies, and specific risk factors, including their visa-overstay rates and cooperation in accepting back their nationals.
Moreover, I assessed the distinct risks posed by individuals entering on immigrant versus nonimmigrant visas, noting that those on immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents, which complicates removal processes even when national security concerns arise. While immigrants typically undergo more rigorous vetting than nonimmigrants, this vetting becomes less reliable if the originating country has inadequate identity-management practices.
After careful consideration of these factors and objectives, I have opted for country-specific restrictions aimed at fostering cooperation with these nations, acknowledging their unique circumstances. The restrictions imposed in this proclamation are essential for preventing the entry of individuals for whom we lack sufficient information to evaluate the risks they present. These measures also serve to motivate foreign governments to collaborate with us and uphold our immigration laws while advancing our foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism goals.
(f) Following the assessment, I have resolved to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals from the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These restrictions apply equally to both immigrants and nonimmigrants.
(g) I have also determined to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals from the following 7 countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These restrictions will similarly apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant entrants.
(h) Sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation detail the information-sharing and identity-management deficiencies that justify these restrictions. While I cannot disclose all underlying details due to national security concerns, it is imperative to recognize that unrestricted entry from these countries would be detrimental to U.S. interests.
Sec. 2. Full Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.
The entry into the United States of nationals from the following countries is hereby suspended and limited as outlined below, subject to exceptions and waivers described in section 5 of this proclamation:
(a) Afghanistan
(i) The Taliban, designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, now controls Afghanistan, which lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports and civil documents. The country also has inadequate screening and vetting measures. According to the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report, Afghanistan’s visa overstay rates are alarmingly high, with 9.7% for business/tourist visas and 29.3% for student and exchange visitor visas.
(ii) Consequently, the entry of Afghan nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.
(b) Burma
(i) Burma’s overstay rates are also concerning, with a 27.07% rate for business/tourist visas and 42.17% for student and exchange visitor visas. The country has not cooperated with the U.S. regarding the repatriation of its removable nationals.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Burmese nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(c) Chad
(i) Chad’s visa overstay rates are similarly alarming, with a 49.54% rate for business/tourist visas and 55.64% for student and exchange visitor visas. Such high overstay rates signal a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws.
(ii) Hence, the entry of Chadian nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(d) Republic of the Congo
(i) The Republic of the Congo also exhibits high overstay rates, at 29.63% for business/tourist visas and 35.14% for student and exchange visitor visas.
(ii) Thus, the entry of Congolese nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(e) Equatorial Guinea
(i) Equatorial Guinea has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 21.98% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 70.18%.
(ii) Consequently, the entry of nationals from Equatorial Guinea as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(f) Eritrea
(i) The U.S. questions Eritrea’s ability to issue passports or civil documents competently, and criminal records are unavailable for Eritrean nationals. Furthermore, Eritrea has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals. According to the Overstay Report, Eritrea has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 20.09% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 55.43%.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Eritrean nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(g) Haiti
(i) Haiti has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 31.38% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 25.05%. The influx of illegal Haitian immigrants during the previous administration has created significant risks for American communities, including increased overstay rates and criminal networks. Haiti’s lack of a competent central authority further complicates the situation.
(ii) Hence, the entry of Haitians as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(h) Iran
(i) As a state sponsor of terrorism, Iran consistently fails to cooperate with U.S. efforts to identify security risks and has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.
(ii) Thus, the entry of Iranian nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is suspended.
(i) Libya
(i) Libya lacks a competent authority for issuing passports or civil documents, with a historical terrorist presence amplifying the associated risks.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Libyans as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(j) Somalia
(i) Somalia’s lack of a competent central authority for issuing passports severely hinders its ability to implement effective screening and vetting measures. The persistent terrorist threat emanating from Somalia has led the U.S. government to classify it as a terrorist safe haven.
(ii) Thus, the entry of Somali nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(k) Sudan
(i) Sudan does not have a cooperative authority for issuing passports and struggles with appropriate screening measures. The overstay rates are 26.30% for business/tourist visas and 28.40% for student and exchange visitor visas.
(ii) Hence, the entry of Sudanese nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
(l) Yemen
(i) Yemen lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports, and the government does not have control over its territory. Since January 20, 2025, Yemen has been the site of active U.S. military operations.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Yemeni nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended.
Sec. 3. Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.
(a) Burundi
(i) Burundi has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.35% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 17.52%.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Burundian nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
(b) Cuba
(i) Cuba, a state sponsor of terrorism, does not provide sufficient law enforcement information to the United States and has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals. The overstay rates are 7.69% for business/tourist visas and 18.75% for student and exchange visitor visas.
(ii) Thus, the entry of Cuban nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
(c) Laos
(i) Laos has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 34.77% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 6.49%. The country has not cooperated with the U.S. regarding the repatriation of its nationals.
(ii) Consequently, the entry of Laotian nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
(d) Sierra Leone
(i) Sierra Leone has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.43% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83%, with a history of failing to accept back its removable nationals.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Sierra Leonean nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
(e) Togo
(i) Togo has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 19.03% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.05%.
(ii) Thus, the entry of Togolese nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
(f) Turkmenistan
(i) Turkmenistan has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.35% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.74%.
(ii) Therefore, the entry of Turkmen nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
(g) Venezuela
(i) Venezuela lacks a competent authority for issuing passports and has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.83%. The government has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.
(ii) Consequently, the entry of Venezuelan nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.
Sec. 4. Scope and Implementation of Suspensions and Limitations.
(a) Scope. The suspensions and limitations outlined in sections 2 and 3 apply exclusively to foreign nationals from the designated countries who:
(i) are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation; and
(ii) do not possess a valid visa on the effective date of this proclamation.
(b) Exceptions. The suspensions and limitations shall not affect:
(i) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
(ii) any dual national traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country;
(iii) any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in classifications including A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, and NATO-1 through NATO-6;
(iv) athletes and team members traveling for major sporting events, including the World Cup and Olympics;
(v) immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with evidence of identity and relationship;
(vi) adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4);
(vii) Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;
(viii) Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. Government employees; and
(ix) immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
(c) Certain individuals may also receive exceptions if the Attorney General determines that their travel would advance a critical U.S. national interest, particularly in criminal proceedings. Such exceptions require coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(d) Further exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Secretary of State if their travel serves U.S. national interests, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Sec. 5. Adjustments to and Removal of Suspensions and Limitations.
(a) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, will devise a process to assess whether the suspensions and limitations should be maintained, lifted, modified, or supplemented. Reports will be submitted to the President every 180 days following this proclamation.
(b) The Secretary of State will engage with the identified countries to outline the measures necessary to comply with U.S. security and immigration standards.
(c) Moreover, updates regarding Egypt’s screening and vetting capabilities will be provided, considering recent events.
Sec. 6. Enforcement.
(a) The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate with relevant domestic and international partners to ensure the effective implementation of this proclamation.
(b) Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is mandatory in the implementation of this proclamation.
(c) No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued prior to the effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this order.
(d) This proclamation does not affect individuals granted asylum, refugees already admitted to the U.S., or those granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture. It does not limit individuals’ rights to seek asylum or refugee status in accordance with U.S. laws.
Sec. 7. Severability.
The United States is committed to enforcing this proclamation to further national security, foreign policy, and counterterrorism interests. Therefore:
(a) If any provision of this proclamation is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be enforced.
(b) Should any provision be invalidated due to procedural issues, executive branch officials will rectify these requirements in accordance with existing laws and court orders.
Sec. 8. Effective Date.
This proclamation takes effect at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025.
Sec. 9. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this proclamation shall impair the authority granted by law to any executive department or agency or its head.
(b) This proclamation will be implemented in accordance with applicable laws and available appropriations.
(c) This proclamation is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party against the United States or its entities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
