President Issues Expanded Entry Restrictions

On Dec. 16, the president issued a proclamation continuing, expanding, and modifying restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals from designated countries due to identified deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing that are deemed to pose national security and public safety risks.

The updated restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on Jan. 1, 2026, and are subject to ongoing review. Visas issued prior to the effective date will remain valid and will not be revoked under the proclamation. The Secretary of State will submit 180-day review reports recommending the continuation, modification, or termination of the restrictions.

The proclamation establishes two categories of entry restrictions.

• Full Suspension of Entry. (Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas). Nationals of the following countries are subject to a complete suspension of entry to the United States, subject to limited exceptions and case-by-case waivers: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. In addition, individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued or endorsed travel documents are subject to a full suspension of entry.
• Partial Suspension of Entry. Entry is restricted for certain visa categories—generally nonimmigrant visas and B (visitors), F (students at U.S. universities), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) nonimmigrant visas—with reduced validity for other visa types. These restrictions apply to nationals of Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, the Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Key Exceptions:

Restrictions do not apply to:

• Lawful permanent residents.
• Dual nationals traveling on a non-designated country passport.
• Certain diplomatic, NATO, and international organization visa holders.
• Athletes and support personnel for major international sporting events.
• Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. Government employees.
• Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
• Asylees and refugees already admitted.

Case-by-case national interest waivers may be granted by the Attorney General, Secretary of State, or Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with relevant agencies.

The expanded entry restrictions will significantly affect employers, higher education institutions, and global talent pipelines by limiting access to students, workers, and exchange visitors from affected countries. For individuals subject to full suspensions, new employment-based visa issuance and entry—including renewals that require travel—will be prohibited, increasing retention and business continuity risks. Organizations should also expect reduced international participation in conferences and business events, as well as disruptions to J-1 exchange visitor programs that support internships, training, research, and cultural exchange.