Trump Administration Expanded the Travel Ban to 20 Additional Countries 

McBean Law is tracking recent developments from the Trump Administration blocking visas and entry into the United States for individuals from 39 countries. This expansion of the travel ban will hurt families, companies and visitors seeking a visa to the U.S. If your family’s future hinges on a visa, navigating travel restrictions can be daunting.  

McBean Law’s experienced New York immigration lawyers are helping immigrants and travelers navigate these new and changing rules. Seek trusted legal help by calling us at (914) 898-9488 to schedule a confidential appointment with an attorney. 

On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a new Presidential Proclamation “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” This updated travel ban significantly expands restrictions on who can enter the United States beginning January 1, 2026, and brings major changes that could affect families, workers, students, and travelers around the world. Entry is now restricted or limited for a total of 39 countries. 

These sweeping changes can feel overwhelming or even frightening, especially if you or your loved ones may be affected. It’s important to remember that you are not alone; many families are facing similar challenges head-on with the right resources, legal advice, and advocates. Taking things one step at a time, staying informed, and reaching out for the right professional guidance can bring clarity and peace of mind during this uncertain period. 

At McBean Law, we’ve helped many families who face issues with their immigration process and have helped them find other paths to success. 

What Is the Expanded U.S. Travel Ban? 

This proclamation updates the June 4, 2025 travel ban by creating a larger list of countries whose citizens face either full or partial restrictions on visa issuance and entry into the United States. This new ban applies only to foreign nationals outside the U.S. on January 1, 2026 who do not have a valid U.S. visa on that date.  Individuals inside the U.S. already with valid immigration status or visas are not affected by these entry restrictions. 

Countries With Full Entry Suspension 

A full entry suspension means that new immigrant (i.e., green card) and nonimmigrant visas (i.e., visitor and student visas) cannot be issued to nationals of these countries who are outside the U.S. and don’t already hold a valid visa. In total, 19 countries and travel document categories now face the most severe travel restrictions.  

The following countries are subject to the full ban:  

1. Afghanistan  

2. Burma (Myanmar)  

3. Chad  

4. Republic of the Congo  

5. Equatorial Guinea  

6. Eritrea 

7. Haiti 

8. Iran 

9. Libya  

10. Somalia  

11. Sudan 

12. Yemen

13. Laos 

14. Burkina Faso 

15. Mali 

16. Niger 

17. Sierra Leone

18. South Sudan 

19. Syria 

Additionally, anyone traveling on travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority is fully barred under the proclamation. 

Countries With Partial Restrictions 

At first glance, partial restrictions might seem less severe than full bans; however, they still impose significant limitations on visa issuance. Travelers impacted by a partial ban are those seeking an immigrant visa (i.e., green card), visitors (B-1, B-2, B1/B2), and students (F, J and M). Countries facing partial bans include: 

1. Burundi 

2. Cuba  

3. Togo 

4. Venezuela  

5. Angola  

6. Antigua & Barbuda 

7. Benin  

8. Côte d’Ivoire 

9. Dominica 

10. Gabon 

11. The Gambia 

12. Malawi 

13. Mauritania 

14. Nigeria 

15. Senegal 

16. Tanzania 

17. Tonga 

18. Zambia 

19. Zimbabwe

What This Means for Families and Green Card Cases 

One of the most significant impacts of the expanded travel ban is on family-based immigration. Under the June 4, 2025 travel ban, broad exceptions were available for spouses, children, and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.  

Under the new proclamation, those categorical family-based waivers have been limited or removed, and approvals may only occur through narrow case-by-case waivers in exceptional circumstances. 

This means that even if a U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsors a spouse or child from an affected country, their application may not automatically proceed as before. However, McBean Law’s experienced New York immigration attorneys will present strong legal arguments and documentation to bring families together during these challenging times.  

Who is Not Affected by the Travel Ban

This proclamation is one of the most sweeping travel bans to be issued under the Trump Administration. However, even with these broad restrictions, some travelers are exempt, including:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)

• Individuals holding a valid U.S. visa issued before January 1, 2026

• Certain diplomatic, international organization, and special visa categories (including athletes and some workers) 

• Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a country not subject to the restrictions 

These exceptions mean that not every person from an affected country is barred from entering the U.S. But the rules are strict, and exceptions may be narrow or complex. Contact us at McBean Law at (914) 898-9488 to fully understand the exceptions under this travel ban to protect your rights to enter the United States. 

Action Steps for People Affected by the Travel Ban

If you or a loved one might be impacted by the new expanded travel ban, do not panic. Get to work immediately with an experienced and trusted legal team to help you with your visa and entry to the U.S. Additionally, below are some concrete steps that you can take sooner rather than later:

• Check your visa status: If you already have a valid visa, travel may still be possible.

• Understand the exemptions: Consult an experienced immigration attorney to determine whether you qualify for an exemption or waiver. 

• Review your options early: Waivers and other discretionary relief are available but require careful legal support.

• Stay updated: Immigration policies are rapidly evolving, and the effective date of January 1, 2026 is approaching.  

You can also watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s live replay on McBean Immigration TV to learn more on how it restricts families, visitors, and students from 39 countries.