8 months ago
US Expands Travel Ban to 39 Countries, Green Card Holders Face Scrutiny
The US government has expanded its travel ban to include 39 countries.
This means people from these countries will find it harder to enter the US.
Even Green Card holders from these countries might face more checks and questions when they apply to stay or change their status in the US.
The government is looking at things like their job history, if they followed immigration rules, and if they have any criminal records.
If you are from one of these countries and want to stay or change your status in the US, you should be prepared for more questions and delays.
An immigration lawyer suggests gathering letters of recommendation, proof of tax payments, and showing good behavior to help your case.
US expands travel ban to 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026.
Green Card holders from banned countries face increased scrutiny and re-examination.
USCIS will consider positive and negative factors, including employment history and community involvement, in immigration cases.
Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, and certain visa categories.
Immigration attorney advises being proactive and gathering supporting documents to overcome additional hurdles.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump's administration, Green Card holders from 39 banned countries, USCIS
- What
- Expansion of travel ban to 39 countries, increased scrutiny on Green Card holders from these countries
- Where
- United States
- When
- Proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, effective January 1, 2026
- Why
- To restrict entry of nationals from certain countries due to security concerns
Key facts
- Date of Proclamation
- December 16, 2025
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2026
- Number of Countries Initially Banned (June 2025)
- 19
- Number of Countries Banned (December 2025)
- 39
- Countries Fully Restricted
- Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Burma, Eritrea, Somalia, Syria, Chad, Haiti, Sudan, Mali, Laos, Republic of the Congo, Iran, Yemen, Niger, Sierra Leone
- Countries Partially Restricted
- Burundi, Cuba, Benin, Gabon, Mauritania, Togo, Venezuela, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Nigeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Exceptions to the Ban
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), existing visa holders, certain visa categories (athletes, diplomats), individuals whose entry serves US national interests
- USCIS Re-examination Directive
- Full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for individuals from banned countries
Quotes
Brad Bernstein
US attorney with over 30 years of experience, part of the lawyers' team at Law Offices of Spar and Bernstein.
“File all these positive equities in advance with your application. Things like family ties, employment history, showing you've tried to follow the rules, letters of recommendation and good moral conduct. Letters from employers, families, friends, neighbours. Prove you've paid your taxes.”
livemint.com
“Even if you qualify for adjustment of status, say you're from Haiti and marry a US citizen and adjust your status, or from Nigeria and want to extend your student status...Immigration is now going to add on to the adjudication of your application.”
livemint.com
US Administration
The official statement from the US administration regarding the new proclamation.
“The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents [Green Card holders], existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests.”
livemint.com
“The United States is fully or partially suspending entry for and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries.”
livemint.com
Joseph Edlow
Head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“at the direction of the president, I have ordered a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern.”
livemint.com
Sources
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