U.S. Entry Restrictions for Citizens of Certain Countries
The information below is accurate as of June 24, 2025; it has been updated since the original posting/publication on June 10, 2025.
Jun 24, 2025
Entry restrictions are subject to change, and we advise you to consult the Immigration Updates section of the ISSS website for the latest information.
If you have questions about your specific circumstances, you may contact ISSS at ISSS@ucdenver.edu or schedule an appointment with an ISSS staff member here - Appointments | International Student & Scholar Services
For members of the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus community who are citizens of the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Burundi
- Burma
- Chad
- Cuba
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Laos
- Libya
- Republic of the Congo
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Presidential Proclamation Establishing U.S. Entry Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a presidential proclamation instituting new entry restrictions for foreign nationals who are citizens of the countries listed above. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below for details about these new restrictions. The FAQ is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and should not be considered legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do the new entry restrictions require an international student or scholar who is a citizen of one of the designated countries to leave the United States?
A: No. The new restrictions do not require anyone from one of the designated countries to depart the United States. The restrictions do not affect the immigration status for those who are already present in the United States. The U.S. government will not ask them to leave the country if they maintain their current immigration status.
Q: How does the new presidential proclamation affect foreign nationals who are citizens of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemenwho are (or will be) international students or scholars at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus and wish to enter the United States?
A: Beginning June 9, 2025, citizens of the 12 countries listed above are barred from entering the United States if they: (1) are not U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders); (2) are outside the United States on or after that date; and (3) do not have a valid visa prior to June 9, 2025. This restriction applies to both intending nonimmigrants (on temporary visas) and immigrants (those granted lawful permanent residency upon entry).
Q: How does the new presidential proclamation affect foreign nationals who are citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuelawho are (or will be) international students or scholars at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus and wish to enter the United States?
A: As of June 9, 2025, citizens of the seven countries listed above are prohibited from entering the United States if they: (1) are not U.S. lawful permanent residents; (2) are outside the United States on or after that date; and (3) did not hold a valid visa before June 9, 2025. This suspension applies to individuals seeking entry either as immigrants (granted lawful permanent residency upon arrival) or as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, or J visas.
Q: If a student or scholar is from one of the designated countries, does the new presidential proclamation revoke (cancel) their valid visa stamp in their passport?
A: No. The new proclamation does not revoke (cancel) or in any manner affect the validity of a current U.S. visa.
Q: Do the new entry restrictions apply to someone who is a dual citizen of one of the designated countries and another country?
A: No. The new entry restrictions do not apply to an individual who is a dual citizen if they present a passport from a non-designated country (i.e. not one of the nineteen named countries) when entering the United States. The U.S. visa stamp must be in the passport from the non-designated country.
Q: When do the new entry restrictions become effective?
A: The effective date of the new entry restrictions is 12:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 9, 2025.
Q: Can an international student or scholar from one of the designated countries who currently has a valid visa leave the United States and reenter?
A: If the visa was issued before June 9, 2025, the effective date of the presidential proclamation’s restrictions, and remains valid on the date of reentry to the United States, then the international student or scholar may use the valid visa to reenter the United States. However, given the rapid nature of changes in U.S. entry and travel restrictions, foreign nationals from one of the designated countries should exercise caution and seriously consider potential risks when deciding to travel outside of the United States.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the entry restrictions established by this presidential proclamation?
A: Yes. The presidential proclamation outlines the following exceptions to the entry restrictions:
- Any lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Any dual national of a designated country when traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated
- Any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, NATO-6
- Any athlete or member of an athletic team — including coaches, support personnel, and immediate relatives — traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State
- Immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA)
- Adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
- Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
Q: Can a citizen of one of the designated countries affected by the entry restrictions request a unique exception under the new presidential proclamation to apply for a visa on or after June 9, 2025, if special circumstances apply?
A: Yes. Under the new presidential proclamation, the U.S. Attorney General may grant an exception if she finds that the travel by the individual would advance a critical U.S. national interest involving the Department of Justice, including when individuals must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses. Also, on a case-by-case basis, the U.S. Secretary of State may grant exceptions for individuals for whom he determines that the travel by the individual would serve a U.S. national interest. These exceptions are up to the discretion of the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. Secretary of State.
Q: If an international student or scholar believes that one of the stated exceptions may be applicable to their situation, whom should they contact for assistance?
A: For legal advice about an exception to the entry restrictions, please seek the assistance of a private immigration lawyer or nonprofit legal services provider. You’ll find a guide here: Hiring an Immigration Attorney.
Q: Are resources available online to read more about the new entry restrictions?
A: On the White House website in the Executive/Presidential Actions section, is the text of the presidential proclamation.
Q: Are any additional countries being considered for inclusion in those subject to travel restrictions?
A: On June 14, 2025 the media began reporting that an internal Department of State memo indicates that 36 more countries will be given 60 days to meet the Trump administration's benchmarks and requirements for visa vetting and screening or face either a partial or full entry ban. These countries include: Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Bhutan; Burkina Faso; Cabo Verde; Cambodia; Cameroon; Democratic Republic of Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Ethiopia; Egypt; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Ivory Coast; Kyrgyzstan; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; South Sudan; Syria; Tanzania; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uganda; Vanuatu; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. See NAFSA's page on this topic for additional details.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
At CU Denver | CU Anschutz, we strive to ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and well-supported. If you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, ISSS is here for you. You are a valued part of our community!
Campus Resources
ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus.
Here are some resources we recommend:
- CU Denver Students: You’ll find links to the Counseling Center, Learning Resources Center, the Wellness Center, and more at https://www.ucdenver.edu/life/campus-resources. Don’t know who to talk to? Start with Lynx Central to find the right person to talk to, no matter what the topic.
- CU Anschutz Students: You’ll find information about and links to a variety of student services at https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student/services
- Faculty and Staff: You can schedule an appointment with an ISSS staff member at Appointments | International Student & Scholar Services. The Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) provides mental health counseling, leader consultation, critical incident response, mediation, and webinar and facilitation services.