On December 16, 2025, a new presidential proclamation was issued expanding U.S. travel restrictions on foreign nationals from multiple countries. This latest directive builds on Executive Order 14161 and Proclamation 10949 and reflects the findings of an updated multi-agency review of global screening, vetting, and document security standards. The expanded restrictions will take effect January 1, 2026.

Under the proclamation, nationals of 39 countries will now face either a full or partial suspension of entry to the United States, depending on the extent of concerns identified by U.S. officials. The policy applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants unless they fall within an exception or receive a case-specific waiver.

Countries Facing Full Entry Suspensions: Nationals of the following countries are subject to a full suspension of entry to the United States for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas:

Additionally, individuals attempting to travel on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority are now also subject to a full entry suspension.

Countries Facing Partial Entry Suspensions: The following countries face partial suspensions, with restrictions generally applying to immigrant visa applicants and nonimmigrant categories such as B-1/B-2 (visitor), F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor). Visa validity may also be shortened for other categories.

Exceptions and Waivers: The proclamation provides specific exceptions for the following categories of individuals:

In addition, waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, or Attorney General determines that an individual’s entry would advance a critical national interest.

Impact on Family-Based Immigration: One of the most notable changes under the new proclamation is the removal of broad exceptions for family-based immigrant visas. Previously, applicants with close family ties to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents could often proceed despite their country’s designation. That is no longer the case.

The proclamation emphasizes that fraud and abuse have occurred through family-based categories and that family relationships do not automatically overcome concerns about a country’s systemic deficiencies in documentation, identity verification, or criminal history reporting.

What the Proclamation Does Not Affect: The policy clarifies that:

No visas will be revoked retroactively under this order.

What to Do If You May Be Affected: If you or a family member are a national of one of the countries listed, you may face new limitations on your ability to obtain a U.S. visa beginning January 1, 2026. Petitioners and beneficiaries should carefully consider these changes and speak with an immigration attorney to evaluate eligibility, determine whether an exception or waiver may apply, and assess available alternative options.

Impact on Employers and Universities:  Employers and academic institutions should anticipate delays or suspensions affecting new hires, visiting scholars, students, and exchange visitors from affected countries, even where petitions or sponsorships have already been approved.

Reasons Behind the Expanded Restrictions: According to the proclamation, the affected countries have been found to exhibit serious deficiencies in their identity-management practices, civil documentation systems, or cooperation with U.S. authorities. Specific concerns cited include inadequate or unreliable birth, marriage, and identity records, fraud-prone document issuance systems, failure to share criminal or security-related information, limited territorial control or government corruption, unwillingness to accept repatriation of removed nationals, high visa overstay rates, and abuse of visa categories and citizenship-by-investment programs that lack residency or vetting requirements.

Ongoing Review and Future Modifications: U.S. officials are directed to review these travel restrictions every 180 days and to continue engaging with the affected countries to encourage compliance with U.S. security, documentation, and vetting standards. A country’s restrictions may be lifted, modified, or continued based on its cooperation and progress.

We will continue to monitor the guidance and issue further Alerts as new information becomes available.  Please contact our office if you have any immediate or specific concerns.