On December 16, 2025, President Trump has issued a new Presidential Proclamation (Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States), that significantly expands and modifies travel restrictions on foreign nationals from countries deemed to pose national security and public safety risks. This action builds on Executive Order 14161 and Proclamation 10949, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to enhanced screening and vetting measures.
Why This Matters
The proclamation cites persistent deficiencies in identity management, civil documentation, and information-sharing practices among certain foreign governments. These gaps, combined with high visa overstay rates and corruption, create vulnerabilities that could be exploited for terrorism, organized crime, and fraud.
According to the administration, these measures are necessary to:
- Prevent entry of individuals who cannot be properly vetted
- Encourage foreign governments to improve identity and security protocols
- Protect US citizens and uphold immigration law
Key Provisions of the Proclamation
Effective January 1, 2026, the proclamation:
- Continues full suspension of entry for nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- Continues partial suspension for nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.
- Adds full suspension for nationals of Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, and individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents.
- Imposes partial restrictions on nationals of 15 additional countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Modifies restrictions for Turkmenistan, lifting nonimmigrant visa bans but maintaining immigrant visa suspension.
Exceptions and Waivers
The proclamation provides limited exceptions for:
- US lawful permanent residents
- Certain diplomatic and NATO visa holders
- Special Immigrant Visas for US government employees
- Immigrant visas for persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Iran
- Case-by-case waivers for individuals advancing US national interests
Impact on Employers and Travelers
- Visa Processing: Nationals from affected countries will face significant limitations on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance.
- Compliance Planning: Employers should review workforce strategies and immigration pipelines for impacted employees.
- Travel Advisory: Individuals from designated countries should consult legal counsel before making travel plans.
Next Steps
The proclamation will be reviewed every 180 days, with potential adjustments based on foreign government cooperation and security improvements.
Related USCIS Actions:
On December 2, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum directing its personnel to hold and review all USCIS benefit requests for foreign nationals from the countries listed in the June proclamation, regardless of entry date; and to conduct a comprehensive re-review of approved benefit requests for nationals of those countries listed who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021. This policy memorandum specifies that it applies to foreign nationals who list one of the relevant countries as their country of citizenship or of birth. It has not yet been confirmed whether this policy memorandum will also apply to the countries in the expanded travel ban.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.