United States Imposes Visa Ban on 12 Countries
Light House Denver – The United States government has implemented stricter immigration policies, impacting travelers from several countries around the world. Starting June 9, 2025, the United States will impose a full travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, along with partial restrictions for 7 other countries. This policy, issued by President Donald Trump, is described as a national security measure, similar to the controversial 2017 travel ban.
Citizens from the following 12 countries will be prohibited from entering the U.S. under most visa categories:
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This ban includes suspending tourist, business, student, and immigrant visa issuance. Even valid visa holders could be denied entry, depending on case-by-case evaluation. However, there are limited exceptions for diplomats or urgent humanitarian reasons.
The U.S. will also implement partial restrictions for citizens from 7 other countries:
For these countries, authorities will closely monitor visa applications, extend processing times, and deny entry even to those with existing visas.
Indonesia is not on the list of countries facing a full travel ban or partial restrictions. This means Indonesian citizens (WNI) can still apply for U.S. visas as usual. However, travelers should be aware of the new biometric policy. Applicants for the visa waiver program via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) are now required to upload a selfie for automated verification.
This policy also affects the education sector. The U.S. has temporarily suspended the admission of new international students to Harvard University for six months, citing national security concerns. Additionally, Columbia University in New York is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students. If these sanctions are enforced, they could impact federal aid and scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Trump justified the decision by referencing a recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, involving an Egyptian national living in the U.S. illegally. While Egypt is not on the banned list, the incident highlights weaknesses in the current immigration system.
For those planning to travel to the U.S. in 2025, here are some key points:
This policy marks the return of Trump-era immigration strategies. International travelers should monitor any updates on these developments.
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