Trump’s New Travel Ban in 2025: What Green Card & Visa Holders Must Know About Travel Restrictions to 43 Countries

Let’s break it all down: who is affected, what the restrictions are, when the ban could take effect, and what you can do if you or your loved ones are from one of the countries on the list.

Why Is This Travel Ban Happening?

The foundation for this travel ban was laid on January 20th when President Trump signed a series of executive orders, one of which focused on “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” This executive order directed federal agencies to assess which countries fail to meet U.S. security standards and do not adequately vet their citizens before allowing them to travel to the U.S.

Officials were given 60 days to evaluate foreign governments’ security protocols. The goal: identify countries with weak identity verification systems, incomplete sharing of criminal records, or those deemed to pose a security threat. Now that the evaluation period has passed, a draft plan has surfaced detailing which countries will be affected and how the ban will be enforced.

The 3-Tier System: Red, Orange, and Yellow Zones

The proposed travel ban introduces a tiered system that categorizes affected countries into three distinct zones—Red, Orange, and Yellow—each with varying levels of restriction.

1. Red Zone: Complete Ban

Countries in the Red Zone will face the strictest measures. Individuals from these countries will be subject to a total ban from entering the United States. This includes applicants for work visas, family-based green cards, and non-immigrant travel visas.

As of now, there is no confirmed pathway for waivers or exceptions for these countries. If implemented, this would mean a complete halt in visa processing and the cancellation of already scheduled interviews at U.S. embassies.

Examples of Red Zone Countries:

• Afghanistan
• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Venezuela
• Yemen

A major concern remains unanswered: Will green card holders from these countries also be banned? We are still awaiting clear guidance. Past executive orders allowed for limited waivers in exceptional circumstances—such as for urgent medical cases or individuals who had already been granted visas—but it’s unclear whether similar allowances will exist this time.

2. Orange Zone: Restricted Entry with Increased Scrutiny

Countries categorized in the Orange Zone are not entirely banned but will face significant restrictions. Individuals from these nations can still apply for visas, but they’ll undergo intense scrutiny both during and after the application process.

Applicants will likely need to submit additional documentation, attend more rigorous interviews, and may be subject to extended background checks. Even if a visa is granted, entry into the U.S. is not guaranteed.

Examples of Orange Zone Countries:

• Pakistan
• Russia
• Belarus
• South Sudan
• Haiti

Those arriving from Orange Zone nations may also be flagged for secondary screening at the port of entry. Even with a valid visa, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are expected to conduct further questioning, and in some cases, deny entry based on the new guidelines.

For those affected, this means preparation is key. Bring all necessary documents to your interview. Be ready to explain your travel intent clearly and concisely. If you’re applying for a family-based visa or work permit, include comprehensive evidence of your ties to the United States.

Despite the limitations, the good news is that individuals from Orange Zone countries are still eligible to travel, provided they meet the new heightened requirements.

3. Yellow Zone: 60 Days to Comply

Countries listed in the Yellow Zone are being given a 60-day grace period to improve their security protocols and cooperation with U.S. authorities. These countries are not currently subject to travel restrictions, but if they fail to comply within the 60-day window, they risk being moved to the Orange or Red Zones.

What must these countries do?

• Enhance identity verification procedures
• Improve passport issuance standards
• Share criminal and security records with the U.S. government
• Strengthen border control and screening systems

If these improvements are made in a timely manner, countries on the Yellow List can avoid being hit with future travel bans. If not, their citizens could face similar visa restrictions or outright bans as seen in the higher-tier zones.

What Does This Mean for Visa and Green Card Applicants?

If you’re currently in the process of applying for a U.S. visa—whether it’s a tourist visa, work visa, student visa, or immigrant visa—this potential ban could impact your case in several ways:

• Interview Cancellations: Embassies may cancel visa interviews for applicants from Red Zone countries. Backlogs will likely increase.
• Increased Denials: Applicants from Orange Zone nations could see higher rates of visa denial due to stricter eligibility reviews.
• Expedited Requests: If you have a pending interview or visa approval and you’re from one of the listed countries, now is the time to request an expedited process before the policy becomes official.

Green card holders from the affected countries are in a gray area. Historically, travel bans have not applied to lawful permanent residents, but without clear guidance, it’s best to remain cautious if traveling internationally.

Will There Be Any Waivers or Exceptions?

This remains one of the biggest unknowns. In the past, when Trump’s 2017 travel ban was implemented, there were case-by-case waivers allowed for those with urgent needs or special qualifications—such as doctors, scientists, or individuals facing humanitarian crises.

While we hope for a similar provision in the upcoming version, no official word has been released. Legal experts and immigration attorneys are closely monitoring this, and updates will be shared as soon as the administration clarifies its policy.

What Can You Do Right Now?

If you’re from a country on any of these lists—especially the Red or Orange zones—here are some proactive steps you can take:

1. If You Have a Valid Visa, Travel Now
   If you’re eligible and your visa is still valid, consider entering the U.S. before the end of March. The draft memo suggests the ban could take effect around that time.
2. Expedite Your Case
   Contact your local embassy or consulate to expedite your interview if possible. Provide compelling evidence such as medical needs, job offers, or academic deadlines.
3. Consult an Immigration Attorney
   If your situation is complex or you’re unsure how this ban may affect you, it’s wise to seek professional legal guidance.
4. Gather Strong Evidence
   Whether you’re applying for a work visa, student visa, or green card, submit thorough and organized documentation. Demonstrate strong ties to your home country (if applying for a non-immigrant visa), or provide extensive family and financial support details (for immigrant visas).
5. Prepare for Interview Scrutiny
   Especially if you’re from an Orange Zone country, be ready for additional questioning at both the consulate and the U.S. port of entry.

What’s Next?

As of now, the travel ban is not yet official—but that could change rapidly. The current memo is still a draft. Final details, implementation dates, and enforcement procedures will be released in the coming weeks.

We expect the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to issue public announcements and guidance as soon as the order is finalized. We will update this article and notify our subscribers as soon as those announcements are made.

If you’re currently outside the United States and have plans to immigrate or travel, act now while options remain open.

The Bigger Picture: How This Ban Could Reshape Global Travel

Beyond the direct impact on travelers to the U.S., there could be broader geopolitical consequences. Countries affected by the ban may respond with retaliatory policies, such as requiring U.S. citizens to obtain visas or imposing similar restrictions.

This could create a ripple effect, complicating global mobility, business relations, educational exchanges, and family reunification processes.

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

This proposed travel ban represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy that could affect millions of people. Whether you’re a student, a skilled worker, a family member awaiting reunification, or a lawful permanent resident, the coming weeks will be crucial.

Stay informed by subscribing to updates, monitoring government announcements, and consulting immigration professionals.

For immediate help, you can contact our team by visiting www.usimmigrationtalk.com. Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Final Thoughts

The uncertainty surrounding this draft travel ban has understandably caused anxiety among immigrants, their families, and visa applicants around the world. But knowledge is power. By understanding the policy, knowing your options, and taking proactive steps, you can better navigate this challenging situation.

Stay tuned for further updates—and remember, if you act early, you may still have time to move forward before these new restrictions come into effect.