In a bold move to protect national security and restore order to America’s immigration system, President Donald Trump announced a full suspension of new visas for foreign nationals from 12 countries.
The new rule, which includes partial suspensions for another 7, is effective June 9 at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Among the fully suspended countries are Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan.
These nations were identified by U.S. security officials as lacking reliable identification systems or as havens for terrorism and extremism.
Countries subject to partial restrictions include Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan, where cooperation with U.S. vetting procedures is limited or inconsistent.
The entry of these individuals “would be detrimental to the interests of the United States,” the president stated.
“Their entry should be subject to certain restrictions, limitations, and exceptions.”
This executive proclamation followed an extensive security review on April 9 by the Secretary of State and Homeland Security officials, who cited major deficiencies in screening and vetting standards across the affected nations.
The review also examined visa overstay rates.
Chad had a 49.54% overstay rate on tourist visas, while Equatorial Guinea exceeded 70%.
Trump consulted extensively with top national security and intelligence leadership, including the CIA Director, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General, before finalizing the order.
The rationale was clear:
“The restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.”
The White House issued a detailed fact sheet explaining each country’s inclusion.
Afghanistan, for example, remains under Taliban control, with a documented student visa overstay rate of nearly 30%.
The data highlights the risks posed by unreliable foreign vetting systems.
Despite predictable media outcry, the order includes humanitarian safeguards.
It explicitly exempts legal permanent residents, those granted asylum or refugee status, and any individual seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
No existing visas issued before June 9 will be revoked.
Importantly, the administration also included provisions to exempt individuals whose entry “serves U.S. national interests.”
In a time when many Americans are demanding a return to secure borders and rational immigration policy, Trump’s latest move underscores his administration’s commitment to putting American safety first.
Trump is now doing what Biden-era officials refused to do: Act.
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