The administration of United States President Donald Trump has significantly widened its controversial travel restrictions, imposing full or partial entry bans on foreign nationals from a total of 39 countries. The new proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 2026, marks a major expansion of the policy first introduced in June 2025.
From 19 to 39: The Expanded Ban List
President Trump's initial proclamation on June 4, 2025, suspended entry for citizens from 19 nations. The updated order from December 16, 2025, more than doubles that scope. The latest list divides countries into two categories: those facing full restrictions and those under partial restrictions.
The expansion added five new countries to the fully restricted list: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Furthermore, nations like Laos and Sierra Leone were moved from partial to full restrictions. The proclamation also imposed partial entry limits on 15 additional countries, including several African nations like Angola, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia. Notably, Turkmenistan was removed from the partial restrictions list for non-immigrant visas, though its nationals remain barred from immigrating.
Countries Under Full and Partial US Entry Restrictions
Countries Fully Restricted: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen.
Countries Partially Restricted: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Green Card Holders and Increased Scrutiny
While the proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and existing visa holders, a new layer of scrutiny has been introduced. In November 2025, the head of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, announced a "full-scale, rigorous re-examination" of every Green Card issued to individuals from the originally listed 19 countries of concern.
This means that even eligible applicants from banned countries who are already in the US—such as those applying for adjustment of status through marriage or extending a student visa—will face heightened evaluation. According to immigration attorney Brad Bernstein in a December 31 video, USCIS is now applying broader discretionary scrutiny to cases involving nationals from the banned list.
Navigating the "Additional Hurdle": Attorney Advice
Brad Bernstein, with over 30 years of experience, warns that immigration cases for nationals from travel-ban countries are "no longer routine." Officers will now weigh positive and negative discretionary factors beyond basic eligibility. These factors include employment history, immigration compliance, community involvement, and even arrest records.
His key advice for affected individuals inside the US is to be proactive and strategic. "Don't just fill out some forms," he advises. Applicants should compile and submit evidence of positive equities alongside their application. This includes:
- Proof of strong family ties in the US.
- Detailed employment history and recommendation letters.
- Evidence of community involvement and good moral character.
- Documentation of tax compliance.
- Letters from employers, friends, and neighbours.
Bernstein anticipates more Requests for Evidence (RFEs), longer processing delays, and a greater need for careful case preparation. For those outside the US from the banned countries, the entry prohibition remains in force.
The expanded travel ban continues to shape US immigration policy, creating significant challenges and uncertainties for thousands of global citizens, including those from nations with large diasporas in India.
