The Trump administration is preparing to significantly widen its travel ban, potentially restricting travel from around 30 additional countries, according to new reporting from Bloomberg Law. While the full list has not yet been released, the administration has already reinstated earlier bans and introduced sweeping policy proposals aimed at curbing both legal and humanitarian immigration.
For families, employers, and frequent travelers, the uncertainty is real and the impacts could be immediate. Here’s what we know so far, what may be coming next, and how to protect yourself if you or a loved one could be affected.
“Whenever a major policy shift like this is announced, the key is not to panic, it’s to prepare,” says Rosanna Berardi, Esq., Managing Partner of Berardi Immigration Law. “Travel bans move fast. If your plans, employees, or family members could be impacted, now is the time to get legal guidance.”
The Travel Ban: What’s Changing Now
The administration already enforces a full block on travelers from 12 countries and partial restrictions on another 7. The expected expansion would be the largest since Trump’s first-term travel bans, which ultimately survived a long court battle and were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Countries Currently Facing Full Travel Bans
- Afghanistan
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Myanmar
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Countries with Existing Partial Restrictions
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
A new list, including roughly 30 more nations, is expected soon. DHS has indicated the expansion will target countries perceived as “high-risk,” though no criteria have been formally published.
Why the Travel Ban Is Expanding Now
The shift follows last week’s deadly shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Federal authorities identified the suspect as an Afghan national who previously assisted U.S. forces before entering the U.S. in 2021.
The administration has framed the expansion as a national-security measure, though many of its newest proposals, including ending federal benefits for non-citizens and reviewing previously approved refugee cases, reach far beyond security-based vetting.
This latest move fits into a broader tightening of immigration systems already underway:
- A paused issuance of all visas for Afghan passport holders
- Reduced refugee caps
- Planned revocation of thousands of visas
- The new $100,000 H-1B application fee
- New USCIS guidance treating inclusion on a travel-ban list as a “significant negative factor” in other immigration adjudications
In other words: this policy is not happening in a vacuum. It is part of a much larger effort to sharply restrict migration to the United States: Temporary, permanent, employment-based, and humanitarian.
What This Could Mean for You or Your Business
The impacts will depend on which countries ultimately appear on the expanded list. However, the practical consequences generally fall into several buckets.
- Travelers May Be Denied Boarding or Entry
If your country becomes subject to a full ban, airlines and CBP officers will not allow you to travel to the U.S., even if:
- You already have a valid visa
- You have previously entered the U.S. without issue
- You have family or employment waiting
- Visa Applications Could Be Automatically Blocked
In previous iterations of the travel ban, consular officers were prohibited from issuing most visas from affected countries unless the applicant qualified for a difficult-to-obtain waiver.
If your country is added:
- Visa interviews may be canceled
- Pending visas may stall indefinitely
- Waiver opportunities could become extremely limited
- USCIS May Heighten Scrutiny for Applications Filed Inside the U.S.
The new guidance instructs USCIS to treat a travel-ban designation as a negative factor, meaning:
- Adjustment of status (green card) cases may face tougher scrutiny
- Employment-based extensions may require additional evidence
- Humanitarian applications (asylum, TPS, parole) may slow or stall
- Employers May Face Sudden Workforce Disruptions
If your employee’s home country is added to the ban:
- They may be unable to travel for business
- They may be stuck abroad after a trip
- Their dependents may not be able to join them
- Their future extensions or green card steps may be delayed
For HR teams and multinational employers, this could create immediate operational issues.
What You Should Do Now
Until the list is published, the best step is strategic preparation.
If you are a traveler:
- Avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary.
- Download your I-94 and keep travel history updated.
- Renew your passport if it is close to expiring.
If you are applying for a visa:
- File now. Don’t wait. Delaying only increases the risk of running into a ban.
- Gather all supporting documentation in case additional vetting is introduced.
If you are an employer:
- Review your workforce for employees potentially affected.
- Advise against international travel until more information is available.
- Prepare contingency plans, especially for key personnel.
If you have family who may be affected:
- Speak with an attorney immediately if you are pursuing reunification, sponsorship, or humanitarian relief.
- Expect longer processing times, even if your country is not ultimately included.
Berardi Immigration Law will continue to monitor DHS releases, Federal Register notices, and consular updates daily.
U.S. Travel Ban FAQs
Will the expanded travel ban apply to U.S. citizens or green card holders?
Typically, no. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have historically been exempt. However, their family members may be affected.
Can I still get a waiver if my country is added to the ban?
A waiver process usually exists, but historically it has been difficult, slow, and rarely granted. Do not rely on a waiver as a primary strategy.
Should I travel internationally right now?
Speak with an immigration attorney before making travel plans.
Stay Informed About Upcoming Travel Ban News
The next phase of the travel ban will have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and employers worldwide. The situation is evolving quickly, and more details, including the specific list of countries, are expected in the coming days.
Berardi Immigration Law will continue offering real-time updates and practical guidance as soon as new information becomes available. If you believe you or someone you know may be affected, now is the moment to get clarity and prepare a strategy.
We’re here to help you navigate whatever comes next, with accuracy, urgency, and the experience of a firm that’s guided thousands of clients through complex immigration changes. Click here to contact your team at Berardi Immigration Law.
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