A recent Executive Order restricts entry into the United States for certain foreign nationals, citing national security and high visa overstay rates. Effective June 9, 2025:
- Complete Entry Suspension applies to nationals of:
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo (Republic), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. - Partial Suspension (affecting immigrant visas and B-1, B-2, F, M, or J visas) applies to:
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Who Is Not Affected?
The travel ban does not apply to:
- Individuals already inside the U.S. on June 9, 2025
- Those with valid U.S. visas on or before June 9, 2025
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals using the passport of a non-restricted country
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or LPRs applying for immigrant visas
- Certain visa holders (diplomats, athletes, coaches, etc.) traveling for major sporting events
Ghoshal Law Guidance:
- If you are not from the listed countries, this order does not impact you.
- If you are from an impacted country, speak with an immigration attorney to assess whether an exception applies to your situation.
- Even if not directly affected, be cautious with international travel—especially if you have pending immigration applications.
Increased Revocation of Student Visas
The Administration has ramped up scrutiny of student visa holders, particularly:
- F-1 and J-1 visa holders with real or perceived affiliations conflicting with U.S. interests
- Recent reports confirm revocation of 1,700 student visas, many without prior notice or explanation
This revocation can immediately affect:
- SEVIS registration (loss of status)
- CPT/OPT work authorization
- Eligibility for reentry into the U.S.
Ghoshal Law Advice for Students:
- Do not leave the U.S. or take other actions without consulting your university’s International Student Office (ISO) and an immigration attorney
- If you are affiliated with any political or ideological groups abroad (e.g., the Chinese Communist Party), consult with your attorney immediately
Heightened Social Media Monitoring by DHS
The Department of Homeland Security is now actively screening the social media accounts of:
- Foreign nationals seeking green cards
- Students and scholars on F, M, or J visas
- Immigrants affiliated with educational institutions
DHS may consider posts that “endorse or support antisemitic terrorism or ideologies” as a negative discretionary factor in immigration applications—even without clear definitions of such content.
Ghoshal Law Guidance:
- Avoid posting or engaging with political, violent, or ideologically sensitive content on social media
- Assume your posts may be reviewed as part of any immigration application
Caution: Traveling With Electronic Devices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has broad authority to:
- Search phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices
- Access deleted, encrypted, or app data—even without cause or consent
- Extend searches up to 100 miles from any border or port of entry
This applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens.
Ghoshal Law Tips for Travelers:
- Avoid traveling with sensitive data on devices
- Move data to the cloud and log out of sensitive apps
- Enable encryption and disable facial/fingerprint login features
- U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry, but their devices can be seized
Final Takeaway from Ghoshal Law:
Whether or not you are directly affected by the Executive Order, recent immigration policies signal a trend of heightened scrutiny. Stay informed, consult with your attorney, and take proactive steps to protect your immigration status and digital footprint.