President Trump’s New Visa Ban: What You Need to Know About Waivers and Exceptions

President Trump’s New Visa Ban: What You Need to Know About Waivers and Exceptions

On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order restricting the entry of certain foreign nationals. The order took effect on June 9, 2025, and applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants from countries deemed national security threats.

The ban affects a list of countries including Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and North Korea, with full or partial visa suspensions depending on visa category. The proclamation echoes elements of the 2017 travel ban but introduces a broader and more structured list of exceptions and waivers.

Key exceptions include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), dual nationals using a non-restricted passport, individuals already holding valid visas, and applicants for certain humanitarian or diplomatic visas. People who fall into these categories are not subject to the ban.

Importantly, a waiver process exists for those who can show that denying them a visa would cause undue hardship, that their entry would not pose a security risk, and that allowing them in would be in the national interest. These waivers are considered case-by-case by consular officers.

For instance, an Iranian student accepted to a U.S. university or a Yemeni parent seeking medical treatment for a U.S. citizen child could apply for a waiver if proper evidence is provided. Supporting documents can include medical records, academic admissions, or letters from employers or family.

Critics of the ban have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in how waivers are adjudicated, citing past inconsistencies under similar travel bans. Immigration attorneys recommend that applicants begin preparing early and submit comprehensive documentation to improve their chances.

Although the restrictions are extensive, they are not absolute. With preparation and guidance, some individuals from the affected countries may still be able to enter the United States under one of the listed exceptions or via a discretionary waiver.