New Immigration Restrictions for 19 Countries

The recent shooting of 2 National Guardsmen by an Afghan national has led to additional immigration restrictions for individuals from 19 countries. 

Effective immediately, USCIS will now consider relevant country-specific facts and circumstances such as those outlined in PP 10949 as part of its adjudication of discretionary benefit requests, such as certain Adjustment of Status applications, extension of nonimmigrant stays, and change of nonimmigrant status. USCIS is now updating its guidance to explain how INA 212(f) and PP 10949 impact USCIS’ exercise of discretion.

On June 4, 2025, the President issued PP 10949 to exercise his INA 212(f) authority and suspend the entry or admission of aliens from nineteen countries. With certain exceptions, PP 10949 applies to aliens who are outside of the United States on or after June 9, 2025 and who do not have a valid visa on or after June 9, 2025.

The Proclamation imposes full bans on citizens of 12 countries and partial restrictions on citizens of the remaining 7. The purpose is to prevent entry by individuals who may pose threats, but exceptions are possible in certain circumstances. 

Total entry bans are in effect for: Citizens from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. 

Partial restrictive bans are in place for: Citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, with specific limitations on visitor and student visas. 

Some categories of individuals are exempt, including lawful permanent residents, certain visa holders, and individuals with U.S. ties like spouses and children of U.S. citizens. 

In summary, with certain exceptions, USCIS considers any relevant country-specific factors, such as those specified in PP 10949, as significant negative factors in the adjudication of discretionary benefit requests.

In addition, the new policy will allow for the assessment of country-specific factors, such as insufficient vetting and screening information, that limits USCIS’ ability to assess the risks posed by aliens from the countries identified in PP 10949.

Are you from a country affected by PP 10949 and unsure how this may impact your immigration case? We can assess risk factors and help you prepare a strong strategy. Call (949) 940-6725, or book a consultation online to speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.