Recent reports suggest that a new U.S. travel ban is being considered, which could impact travelers from multiple countries. According to a New York Times report, the Trump administration is reviewing a proposal that would restrict visas and travel for individuals from as many as 41 countries if implemented. However, it is important to note that no official decision has been made, and the details remain speculative at this stage.

For individuals from the affected countries, we encourage caution when making travel plans. If a travel ban were to be enacted, it could impact visa holders, applicants, and those currently outside the U.S. who may face difficulties reentering. Based on past policies, travelers could experience delays, cancellations, or even denials of entry.

What Countries Could Be Affected? The reported proposal divides countries into three categories:

• Full Travel Ban (All Travel Banned): If implemented, individuals from the following 11 countries may be completely barred from entering the U.S.: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen

• Sharply Restricted Visas (Limited Travel Allowed): Citizens from the following 11 countries may experience significant visa limitations, though some types of travel may still be allowed: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.

• 60-Day Review Period (Countries with Pending Security Concerns): These 19 countries have been given 60 days to address U.S. security concerns before any visa restrictions are finalized: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.

It is important to remember that this is not an official policy at this time, and any final decision would likely be subject to legal and political debate.

What Happened During the Last Trump Administration? If implemented, a new travel ban would likely resemble the restrictions imposed during the Trump administration’s first term. In 2017, the administration issued Executive Order 13769, commonly referred to as the “travel ban”, which restricted entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The order also temporarily halted the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

The immediate impact of the travel ban was chaotic. Travelers from the affected countries who were already en route to the U.S. were detained at airports, and many were denied entry and deported despite having valid visas or green cards. Families were separated as individuals with approved immigration documents were suddenly barred from entering the country. Protests erupted at major U.S. airports, and civil rights organizations filed legal challenges, arguing that the order was discriminatory and unconstitutional. Several federal courts issued temporary injunctions to block its enforcement, leading to significant uncertainty for affected travelers.

Following these legal challenges, the policy was revised in Executive Order 13780, which removed Iraq from the list and introduced a waiver system for specific cases, including individuals with pre-existing visas or significant U.S. ties. However, the waiver process was criticized for being inconsistent and difficult to navigate, leaving many applicants in limbo.

In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld a third version of the ban, which expanded restrictions to include North Korea and Venezuela while modifying restrictions on other countries. This ruling made the travel ban a permanent policy for the remainder of the Trump administration.

Despite the availability of waivers, many visa applicants were denied, and the restrictions had long-term consequences for families, students, and professionals from the affected countries. These policies remained in place until President Biden rescinded the ban in 2021, allowing individuals from previously banned nations to apply for visas and travel to the U.S. again.

What Should You Do If You May Be Affected? Given the uncertainty surrounding this potential travel ban, individuals from the reported countries should take proactive steps:

• If you are currently in the U.S., avoid unnecessary international travel until more details emerge.

• If you are abroad and have valid U.S. status, consider returning sooner rather than later to minimize risk.

• Stay informed by monitoring official announcements and seeking legal guidance if you believe your travel plans or immigration status could be affected.

At this time, no formal policy has been announced, and the situation remains fluid. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available. If you have concerns about how this may impact you, our firm is here to help. We have extensive experience guiding clients through past travel bans and complex immigration challenges. Contact us to consult on your situation and explore your options to ensure you are prepared for any potential policy changes.