In two new presidential proclamations, Donald Trump restricted legal immigration and blocked visas for students who want to attend Harvard.
In two new presidential proclamations, Donald Trump restricted legal immigration to the United States and blocked visas for international students who want to attend Harvard University. The proclamation bans immigration to the United States, with some exceptions, from 19 countries. Lawful permanent residents sponsoring family members will be most affected. The measure will reduce legal immigrant admissions and lower the number of visas issued for tourists, students and exchange visitors from the identified countries. The action against Harvard represents another blow to the university and international students seeking to enroll at the school.Immigration Order Restricts Legal Immigration From 19 Countries
On June 4, 2025, Donald Trump issued a proclamation banning immigrant and temporary visas from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The proclamation also bans immigrant visas and visas for tourists and business travelers, students and exchange visitors for an additional seven countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
The proclamation contains an exception for the spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens, known as immediate relatives, which limits the personal impact for many Americans. Among the other exemptions are for adoptions, Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans, visas for most athletes and “immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.” These exceptions will not help most people who previously could have entered the country on temporary visas from the 19 countries or through other immigration categories.
While the Trump administration framed the proclamation as necessary for national security, it did not offer evidence that the travel ban enacted in Donald Trump’s first term enhanced security or that the Biden administration removing the travel ban diminished America’s security. Analysts noted the proclamation suspending refugee admissions was also framed as a security measure, even though refugees are the most vetted and screened individuals to enter the United States.Less Legal Immigration And Fewer Temporary Visas From 19 Countries
According to a National Foundation for American Policy analysis, the proclamation will likely block approximately 25,000 legal immigrants a year from the 19 countries.
