U.S. Travel Ban: Visa Exceptions for Persecuted Minorities in Iran

Background

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10949, which restricts entry to the United States for nationals of 12 countries with a full suspension and 7 countries with a partial suspension. This measure was introduced under the justification of protecting the U.S. from foreign terrorist and public safety threats.

While the proclamation places sweeping restrictions on visa issuance, it also includes several important exceptions. One of the most significant exceptions applies to immigrant visa applicants who belong to ethnic or religious minority groups in Iran that face persecution.

On July 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued formal guidance to all embassies and consulates worldwide explaining how to process immigrant visa cases for these minorities. This ensures that applicants who qualify under this exception are not unfairly denied the chance to immigrate.

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Who Qualifies?

According to the State Department, the following groups are recognized as persecuted minorities in Iran and are therefore covered by the exception:

• Ahwazi Arabs
• Azerbaijani Turks (Azeris)
• Baha'i
• Balouch
• Christians
• Jews
• Kurds
• Sabean-Mandaeans
• Sufi Muslims
• Sunni Muslims
• Yarsans
• Zoroastrians

Importantly, this list is not exhaustive. Other ethnic or religious minorities in Iran may also qualify if there is credible evidence that they face persecution. For example, smaller sects, lesser-known religious groups, or ethnic communities not specifically named may still be considered.

Applicants do not have to prove that they personally were persecuted — only that they are members of a minority group that faces systemic or widespread persecution in Iran. This makes the exception broader and more accessible.

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How the Process Works

When an applicant from Iran applies for an immigrant visa, consular officers must carefully assess whether the individual belongs to one of the qualifying persecuted minority groups.

Here’s how the process works:

• Assessment: Officers will review the applicant’s background, interview answers, and any supporting documents (such as community membership letters, baptismal records, or local identification papers).
• Case Notes: Officers are required to document their findings in detail in the applicant’s file.
• Visa Annotation: If the officer determines that the applicant qualifies, the visa will include the annotation:
  “Excepted from PP Restricting Entry.”
• Supporting Evidence: While supporting documents can strengthen the case, the decision ultimately rests on the officer’s evaluation of credibility and consistency.

If the applicant already qualifies under a different exception listed in PP 10949 (such as close family ties or U.S. government interests), the officer may apply that instead, without reviewing minority status.

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What Applicants Should Know

For applicants who belong to one of these groups, the exception can make a crucial difference:

• Visa Processing Continues: Even with the travel ban, your immigrant visa case can move forward if you qualify under this exception.
• Burden of Proof: The responsibility is on the applicant to demonstrate eligibility, either through documents or credible testimony.
• Possible Delays: If the officer is not fully convinced, they may issue a 221(g) refusal, temporarily pausing the case until additional evidence is provided.
• Risk of Denial: If you cannot establish that you belong to a qualifying minority or meet another exception, the visa will be refused under the proclamation.

This means preparation is key — applicants should bring as much evidence as possible to demonstrate their minority identity and, if relevant, the conditions they face in Iran.

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Resources for Applicants

Applicants and their attorneys can strengthen their cases by citing and presenting evidence from reputable sources. Some key resources include:

• U.S. Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report (Iran) – documents persecution of religious minorities in Iran.
• U.S. Human Rights Report (Iran) – covers broader ethnic and human rights issues.
• Reports from NGOs and human rights organizations – such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch.
• Consular Affairs Bureau updates – internal guidance and case processing instructions.

Using credible reports can help establish that your minority group is recognized as persecuted.

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Final Note

While PP 10949 imposes some of the strictest travel restrictions in recent history, the minority exception provides a lifeline for Iranians who face systemic discrimination and persecution in their home country. For members of these groups, the U.S. remains open to immigrant visa applications despite the broader ban.

For those applying, preparation, documentation, and clear explanation of minority identity are essential to ensure that your case is processed successfully.