On December 16, 2025, the U.S. government issued a new presidential proclamation that continues and expands existing entry restrictions for foreign nationals from certain countries. The policy is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants who are outside the United States and do not already hold a valid visa on the effective date.
This proclamation builds on earlier measures that focus on visa screening and vetting standards. According to the announcement, the updated restrictions are based on country-specific assessments related to documentation practices, identity verification, information sharing with U.S. authorities, and visa overstay data.
The proclamation establishes two categories of restrictions:
In total, 19 countries are now subject to full entry restrictions, while 20 additional countries are subject to partial restrictions. The policy also applies to individuals traveling on certain travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
Importantly, the proclamation does not revoke visas issued before January 1, 2026, and it does not apply to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or individuals who qualify under specific exceptions outlined in the policy.
Under the proclamation, full entry restrictions apply to nationals of the following 19 countries, meaning both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance is generally suspended unless an exception applies:
The proclamation also applies full restrictions to individuals traveling on certain travel documents issued by or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority
In addition, partial entry restrictions apply to nationals of the following 20 countries. These restrictions may limit specific visa categories, reduce visa validity periods, or impose additional screening requirements:
The scope of the restrictions varies by country and visa classification and does not necessarily result in a complete suspension of visa issuance.
The proclamation includes several exceptions, including for:
In addition, case-by-case waivers may be available where U.S. authorities determine that an individual’s travel would serve a national interest. These determinations are discretionary and involve coordination among multiple federal agencies.
For individuals from affected countries, the impact depends on several factors, including visa type, travel history, current location, and whether an exception applies. Some travelers may experience delays, limited visa options, or the need for additional review before a visa can be issued.
Because the rules are country-specific and highly technical, outcomes can vary significantly from one applicant to another. This is particularly true for family-based cases, employment-based visas, and individuals who have previously traveled internationally using different passports or residency programs.
At Zhang-Louie PLLC, our immigration practice regularly monitors presidential proclamations, policy guidance, and implementation trends to help individuals and employers understand how new rules may affect real-world cases. For individuals who may be impacted by these changes, timely legal guidance can help clarify available options and avoid unnecessary disruptions. As with many areas of U.S. immigration law, this policy is subject to ongoing review, and further updates may be issued in the months ahead. We will continue to share relevant developments as they become available.
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