Archive · 3 Jan 2026
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
- When
- Proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, effective January 1, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To restrict entry of nationals from certain countries due to security concerns
- 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