US President Donald Trump, in an urgent measure, signed on Wednesday (April 4) a restriction on the entry of citizens from certain countries into the United States. The measure will take effect on June 9, but visas issued before that date will not be revoked. However, these visas may be subject to additional scrutiny or conditions upon entry.
The document outlining the measure provides a detailed explanation of the US government’s main objective, which is to protect its citizens from potential terrorist threats and other risks to national or public security. President Trump explained that the countries on the full block list were identified due to their association with terrorist activities, lack of cooperation on visa security, inability to accurately verify traveler identities, poorly maintained criminal records, and high overstay rates in the US, giving the public a clear understanding of the decision-making process.
“We cannot have open immigration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably verify those seeking to enter the United States,” said President Donald Trump.
The White House clarified that the measure includes important exemptions. Notably, athletes, coaches, and their close relatives traveling for the 2026 World Cup, the Olympics, or other major sporting events are exempt from this restriction, providing a sense of fairness and understanding for these special circumstances.
The order completely blocks entry from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
The countries of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will have partial restrictions in effect.