Travel Ban Affects Dozens of Countries
The Trump Administration has put in place a travel ban affecting dozens of countries. This ban will make it hard for many noncitizens to obtain permission to come to the U.S. The law changes rapidly, with the government adding new countries to the list in the first few months of 2026.
Call The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC, to discuss any immigration issue you have. The travel restrictions were also coupled with a pause on immigration benefits, which might affect you. Our firm can review your legal options in the ever-shifting landscape.
What Countries Are Impacted by the Travel Ban?
The Trump Administration first announced entry restrictions for nationals from 12 countries in June 2025, along with a partial ban for seven more countries. In December 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a pause on requests for immigration benefits for those who were impacted by the travel ban.
The pause limited the ability of USCIS to approve Adjustment of Status and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for nationals from the countries impacted. In short, the Trump Administration made it much harder for people to obtain green cards if they hailed from a country on the list. In December 2025, the Trump Administration extended the travel ban to 38 countries in all, with USCIS extending the benefit pause.
The full travel ban and restrictions apply to nationals from a variety of countries, including:
- Afghanistan
- Burkina Faso
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Laos
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Palestinian Authority
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
Visa Issuance Also Paused
The Administration also paused visa issuance for certain countries, beginning in January 2026. The purpose was to allow the Department of State to perform a review of policies applicable to visa applicants from countries the government deemed “high risk” for committing welfare fraud. The State Department will continue to accept applications and will conduct interviews, but no visas will be issued until the Department gives future notice.
Certain exceptions exist for persecuted minorities in Iran, those participating in certain sporting events, and green card holders (lawful permanent residents). It’s best to check to see if you qualify for a visa or to double check the current status of the restrictions. Our firm can discuss the process for obtaining a visa if you fit into a narrow exception.
Call Our Office to Discuss Your Plans
The fast-changing immigration landscape has upended the plans of many people to travel to the United States and become lawful permanent residents. Other people are impacted by the Administration’s pause of immigration benefits, such as Adjustment of Status. Call Attorney Jason M. Sullivan to discuss your situation. Our firm can meet to go over where your case stands. We have deep experience helping people obtain non-immigration visas, adjust status, or become naturalized citizens.
In a private consultation, a Portsmouth, New Hampshire immigration lawyer can answer your questions and develop a game plan. We serve those in New Hampshire and Miami, Florida.
Sources:
congress.gov/crs-product/IN12631
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html