Updated: December 2025
By: Law Office of Ral Obioha, PLLC – Immigration Attorneys
The immigration landscape is shifting once again. On December 16, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation expanding travel restrictions for nationals of nearly 40 countries, with changes taking effect January 1, 2026.
These restrictions, sometimes called travel bans, affect both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, limit entry at U.S. borders, and significantly impact families, students, workers, and businesses.
If you or a loved one is from one of the affected countries, it is critical to understand what these changes mean and how to protect your immigration plans.
What This New Proclamation Does
The December 2025 Proclamation:
- Expands the list of countries under a full travel suspension
- Adds new countries to the partial suspension list
- Upgrades some countries from partial to full bans
- Narrows certain family-based exceptions
- Imposes stricter screening and security vetting
This Proclamation builds on earlier 2025 actions under INA § 212(f), the same authority used in the 2017 and 2018 travel bans upheld by the Supreme Court.
Full vs. Partial Suspension: What’s the Difference?
Understanding these terms is essential for determining whether a visa can be issued.
What Is a Full Suspension?
A full suspension is the strictest form of travel restriction.
Nationals of fully banned countries generally cannot receive:
- ❌ Immigrant visas
- ❌ Nonimmigrant visas
- ❌ Entry into the U.S.
These bans apply even if the person meets all statutory eligibility requirements. Only narrow waivers exist, and historically, they have been difficult to obtain.
Countries Currently Under Full Suspension
The Proclamation continues the full bans on the following 12 countries:
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
It then adds five more countries plus Palestinians traveling on PA travel documents:
Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, and individuals using Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents
Finally, Laos and Sierra Leone have been upgraded from partial to full suspension.
This brings the total full-ban list to 19 countries plus Palestinian Authority document holders.
What Is a Partial Suspension?
A partial suspension limits certain visa categories but allows others.
Typically restricted:
- ❌ Immigrant visas
- ❌ B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- ❌ F/M student visas
- ❌ J exchange visas
Other pathways may remain available, depending on the country.
Countries Under Partial Suspension
Partial bans continue for: Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela
The new Proclamation expands the list to include 15 additional countries, primarily in Africa and the Caribbean: Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Turkmenistan’s nonimmigrant bans have been lifted, but restrictions on immigrant visas remain.
Who Is NOT Affected by the Travel Bans?
The Proclamation does not apply to:
- U.S. Citizens
- Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
- Individuals with a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026
- Certain diplomatic and official visa holders
- Dual nationals traveling on an unaffected passport (though legal guidance is strongly recommended)
Waivers: Are They Possible?
A waiver may be granted if the applicant shows:
- Denial would cause undue hardship
- Their entry is in the national interest
- They pose no security threat
However, historically, waiver approval rates under similar travel bans have been extremely low. Families should prepare for long waits and high evidentiary standards.
How This Affects Individuals Inside the U.S.
If you are already in the United States:
- You may still apply for asylum, withholding of removal, CAT protection, and in some situations, adjustment of status
- You should avoid international travel
- Expect longer processing times and enhanced security checks
Always consult with an immigration attorney before filing or traveling.
How This Affects Individuals Outside the U.S.
If you are abroad and awaiting a visa:
- Your interview may be delayed or canceled
- Certain visas cannot be issued at all
- Family reunification may be significantly impacted
- Waivers may be necessary, depending on your country and visa category
What Should You Do Now?
Here are important steps to protect your case:
- Speak with an Immigration Attorney: Every case is fact-specific. Do not rely on online forums or general news summaries.
- Do Not Travel Without Legal Advice: Even individuals with valid visas have been stopped in the past.
- Prepare for Delays: Consular interviews, waivers, and security checks may take longer than usual.
- Explore Alternative Visa Pathways: Depending on your goals, there may be other options.
- Keep Records of Hardship: If a waiver becomes necessary, documentation is key.
Final Thoughts
This new Proclamation dramatically reshapes immigration processing for millions of people across the world. Whether you’re a student, a family member, an employer, or someone seeking safety in the United States, these changes may alter your plans.
At The Law Office of Ral Obioha, PLLC, we are committed to keeping you informed and helping you navigate these challenges with clarity and strategy.
If you or a loved one may be affected by these new restrictions, please contact us for a consultation.
Need Help Understanding How This Affects You? We are here to help!
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.
Warmly,
Ral Obioha, Esq. LLM
Principal Attorney
Ral Obioha Law, PLLC
📧 Email Us: hello@ralobiohalaw.com
📞 Call: (713) 234-1100
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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consultation with qualified counsel is recommended for individual cases.
