There was an unfortunate shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, by an Afghan national. This high-profile incident occurred on the heels of President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation on June 4, 2025, of national security and public safety concerns. This is not to mention Executive Order 14161, ordered earlier this year, which called for enhanced vetting and screening standards for all foreign nationals. All of this to say, many foreign nationals will face significant limitations for acquiring visas and legal status in the United States going forward. With that being said, please read on to discover whether you will be affected by the new 2025 immigration restrictions and how one of the seasoned Lancaster, PA family based immigration lawyers at Lupton Law LLC can help you navigate these new regulations legally.
Which foreign nationals are affected by the new 2025 immigration restrictions?
With Trump’s June 2025 proclamation (i.e., Proclamation 10949), the United States has imposed a full entry ban on foreign nationals of 12 countries. Namely, these 12 countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Then, there are partial restrictions on seven countries, which are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. With this, a full ban means foreign nationals on any visa may not enter the country, while a partial ban only excludes certain visa categories, such as visitor visas, student visas, and exchange-visitor visas.
Which foreign nationals are exempted under these new regulations?
While these regulations seem to be making sweeping bans on foreign nationals of the named 17 countries, certain exemptions and exceptions may apply. That said, the following individuals may continue to travel to or reside in the United States, regardless of new guidance for treating country-specific characteristics as significant negative factors:
- If you already hold lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
- If you hold citizenship in more than one country, and use a passport from a non-banned country.
- If you had a valid, existing U.S. visa issued before the ban’s effective date (but you may still be subject to closer scrutiny at entry).
- If you are a diplomat, traveling for critical U.S. interests, an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa beneficiary, refugee, asylee, etc.
- If you are the spouse, minor child, or parent of a U.S. citizen with a bona fide relationship.
How should foreign nationals act now under these new regulations?
It is natural to feel overwhelmed upon learning about the new regulations. But it is in your best interest to remain calm and not act with haste. First, you should review your current immigration or visa status and determine whether you are subject to this re-entry ban, or at the very least, you will face re-examination or scrutiny over your existing, previously-approved legal status.
From here, you should assemble and preserve all your identifying and immigration documentation, which is now more important than ever. You should avoid unnecessary travel to and from the U.S. at this time, and consult with a lawyer before applying for a new visa or immigration benefit to ensure you are prepared for the posed barriers ahead.
In conclusion, we suggest you employ the services of one of the competent Lancaster, PA family-based immigration lawyers from Lupton Law LLC, if you want the best possible chances at a positive immigration outcome. We look forward to serving you.
