The temporary freeze applies to nations that were already facing partial travel restrictions since June 2025. The latest step further tightens immigration controls and targets several countries with predominantly non European populations.
The list includes Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. These countries had been subjected to the strictest limitations earlier in the year which involved a complete suspension of entry with limited exceptions.
United States media outlets reported that the administration has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to intensify operations against undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota.
While addressing a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that he did not want individuals from these countries entering the United States. His remarks were quoted by Euro News and were described as blunt and politically charged.
Additional countries under partial restrictions include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
According to the New York Times, the decision could affect more than one point five million individuals with pending asylum applications and over fifty thousand who received asylum approvals during the Biden administration.
Officials also confirmed that the President is considering expanding the travel ban to more than thirty nations.
The suspension also halts all immigration related activities connected to the nineteen countries which includes the temporary postponement of citizenship ceremonies for legal permanent residents awaiting naturalization.
