In a significant move aimed at bolstering national security, President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation restricting the entry of foreign nationals from twelve countries deemed to pose national security threats.
The proclamation follows the earlier Executive Order 14161, signed on January 20, 2025, which emphasized the importance of safeguarding American citizens against potential terrorist threats.
During his first administration, Trump implemented similar restrictions that were upheld by the Supreme Court, reinforcing his commitment to protecting the nation from individuals who may intend to commit acts of violence or exploit the immigration system for harmful purposes.
The President directed various departments, including State, Justice, and Homeland Security, to identify nations with insufficient vetting and screening capabilities.
A report from the Secretary of State revealed that certain countries continue to exhibit deficiencies in their information-sharing practices and identity-management protocols.
Notably, some countries have failed historically to cooperate in repatriating their nationals who are deemed removable from the United States, raising concerns among the Cabinet members regarding the risks associated with their entry into the country.
As a result, the proclamation includes a complete suspension of entry for nationals from twelve countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Additionally, seven countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—will face partial entry restrictions.
Among the highlighted concerns is Afghanistan, where the Taliban now controls the region, leading to dire implications for information and vetting protocols.
Afghanistan has also been flagged due to a high percentage of visa overstays reported in recent years.
Once again, national security was a pivotal factor in the details of the proclamation.
Each identified country faced scrutiny not just for their ability to share pertinent information but also for the significant presence of terrorism on their territories.
Trump noted the lack of a cooperative central authority in places like Somalia, Libya, and Sudan, which complicates the vetting process for nationals from these regions.
Countries such as Iran and Cuba, labeled as state sponsors of terrorism, have repeatedly failed to assist in mitigating risks associated with their nationals seeking entry into the U.S.
The proclamation further delineates exceptions to these restrictions, allowing certain categories of individuals, such as lawful permanent residents and dual nationals traveling on passports from non-designated countries, to enter without impediment.
Following the announcement, the Secretary of State has also been tasked with engaging subject countries to improve their compliance with U.S. immigration requirements.
A process will be developed to evaluate the need for these suspensions every 180 days, allowing for adjustments as necessary based on the cooperation of nations concerned.
The implementation of this proclamation will be conducted in consultation with various agencies, ensuring that all legal protocols are observed.
In conclusion, this action reflects the President’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the American public by managing immigration and enhancing national security efforts.
The proclamation will come into effect at 12:01 am on June 9, 2025, marking a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy as it pertains to countries of identified concern.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats/
