The U.S. State Department has instructed its embassies and consulates not to revoke visas previously issued to individuals from 12 countries affected by the presidential ban signed by Donald Trump.
The ban, which takes effect on June 9, will not affect those who already hold visas issued before that date, according to a diplomatic cable sent on Friday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The cable, obtained from The Associated Press, states that "no action should be taken regarding the visas that have already been issued and have left the consular section" and that "no visa issued prior to the effective date should be revoked under this proclamation."
This means that individuals who already have a valid visa will be able to enter the U.S. without any issues, even after the implementation of the new restrictions.
However, the measure also stipulates that approved but yet-to-be-issued visa applications will be rejected, and future applications will be denied unless the applicant meets the strict criteria for a waiver to the ban.
Starting Monday, applicants from the affected countries will have to undergo a more rigorous process to obtain a visa, and those who do not meet the exemption requirements will have their applications denied.
The countries affected by this new policy include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, other visa restrictions will apply to citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The diplomatic cable signed by Rubio also highlights that the ban only affects individuals who are outside the U.S. on the effective date and do not have a valid visa.
It is important to emphasize that the State Department clarified that the admission or denial of entry to the U.S. at a port of entry is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who will determine whether visa holders can enter the country.
Exceptions and new exemptions under the proclamation
Despite the restrictions, some exceptions will apply.
For example, specific measures have been established for citizens of Afghanistan, and a list of exemptions based on national security is expected to be issued.
Moreover, it is expected that foreign visitors planning to attend international events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will not be subject to the same restrictions.
The new policy is set within a broader context of visa restrictions implemented by the Trump administration.
In May, Rubio also announced a policy aimed at restricting visas for officials and foreign citizens who collaborate with the censorship of Americans.
According to the secretary, the measure aims to prevent those who work to undermine the rights of U.S. citizens, whether in Latin America, Europe, or any other region, from benefiting from immigration privileges in the U.S.
President Trump has indicated that the list of affected countries could expand depending on threats that emerge in other parts of the world, leaving open the possibility that other nations may face similar restrictions in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Visa Restrictions in the U.S.
Who is affected by the new visa ban in the U.S.?
The new visa ban in the U.S. affects citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, further restrictions are imposed on visitors from seven other countries, including Cuba and Venezuela.
What happens with the visas that were issued before the ban?
Visas that were issued prior to the enforcement of the ban will not be revoked. Holders of these visas will be able to enter the U.S. without issues, although new visa applications may be denied if they do not meet the established exemption criteria.
What reasons does the U.S. cite for imposing these visa restrictions?
The U.S. cites national security reasons for imposing these visa restrictions. The Trump administration argues that some countries do not cooperate sufficiently on security and deportation issues, and in the case of Cuba, it is categorized as a "state sponsor of terrorism."
Are there any exceptions to the visa ban for citizens of the affected countries?
There are some exceptions to the visa ban, such as for legal permanent residents in the U.S., individuals with visas issued before June 9, and visa applicants under family or national interest categories. Additionally, exemptions are anticipated for significant international events.
What impact does this policy have on Cuban applicants?
The policy suspends the issuance of visas for Cubans in several categories, including tourism, business, study, and exchange programs. The restrictions are justified by the high rates of overstays and the lack of cooperation from the Cuban government on security and deportation issues.
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