Introduction
On June 9, 2025, President Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation that significantly restricts the issuance of U.S. visas to nationals of 19 countries, including Iran. While many Iranians may remember the 2017 travel bans, this new proclamation is different in both scope and intention. As an immigration attorney, I want to break down what this proclamation means for Iranian nationals, who is affected, who’s exempt, and whether there’s any hope of change.
Presidential Proclamation Authority: Where Does This Come From?
Presidential proclamations affecting immigration policy are issued under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives the President the authority to suspend the entry of noncitizens if their entry is deemed detrimental to U.S. interests. This power has been used before—notably in the 2017 travel ban under President Trump—and continues to shape immigration access based on security and foreign policy concerns.
History and Purpose: Why Now?
This new proclamation stems from national security concerns that certain countries, including Iran, are not adequately cooperating with U.S. identity verification and background check procedures. The Trump Administration argues that the lack of reliable vetting increases the risk of admitting individuals who may pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Iran on the List Again: What Changed?
Iran has reappeared on this list due to ongoing issues with identity verification, data sharing, and diplomatic cooperation. While the justification is framed around national security, this policy revives painful memories for many Iranians who were affected by the Trump 0.1 travel bans. Unfortunately, this time, the scope of the ban again focuses on visa issuance, not just entry and its even stricter than before
What Is Banned for Iranian Nationals?
Effective June 9, 2025, Iranian nationals are prohibited from receiving visas at U.S. embassies and consulates, unless they qualify for a narrow exception or waiver. This restriction includes:
- Immigrant visas (e.g., green cards)
- Non-immigrant visas (e.g., F-1, H-1B, B-1/B-2, K-1)
Note: The proclamation only restricts visa issuance. It does not invalidate visas already issued, nor does it apply to people already in the U.S.
What Are the Exemptions?
Some individuals are automatically exempt from this proclamation:
- S. citizens (including dual citizens)
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Individuals holding valid U.S. visas issued before June 9, 2025
- Individuals inside the U.S. applying for immigration benefits (like Adjustment of Status)
- immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
- National Interest Exception (NIE) at the discretion of the secretary of state or a designated official in consultation with the secretary of homeland security
- any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
- (v) 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);
- (vi) adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4);
What Is the National Interest Exception (NIE)?
The proclamation allows for case-by-case exceptions under the National Interest Exception (NIE). These exceptions are very limited and must be granted by the Secretary of State or a designated official, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
To qualify, the individual’s travel must serve a U.S. national interest. However, general travel purposes such as:
- Work
- Study
- Visiting family
do not qualify as national interest under this policy.
In practical terms, NIEs for Iranian nationals are rare and difficult to obtain.
Is There Hope?
Yes—but with caution.
The proclamation includes a directive for officials to review the list within 90 days of this proclamation and every 180 days and report to the President. This means the ban could be modified or lifted in the future. However, there is no guarantee, and changes are not automatic.
Who Does This Affect the Most?
This proclamation has a devastating impact on the following groups:
- Students with pending admissions to U.S. universities who haven’t yet received a visa
- Diversity visa (DV lottery) selectees awaiting interviews
- K-1 visa applicants (fiancés of U.S. citizens)
- Spouses and children of green card holders waiting for immigrant visa interviews
- Applicants stuck in “Administrative Processing” who have not yet received a visa
National Interest Exception: What Doesn’t Qualify?
To be clear: study, employment, and family visits are not considered sufficient under the national interest exception. The language of the proclamation reads:
“Exceptions…may be made case-by-case…if the Secretary of State finds…that the travel would serve a United States national interest.”
This is an extremely high bar. Unless your travel directly benefits U.S. national security or public safety, NIEs are unlikely to be granted.
How Is This Different from the 2018 Travel Ban?
The 2017 travel ban permanently barred many categories of immigrants and non-immigrants from Iran, with some narrow exceptions. That ban was broader in some ways (e.g., family-based immigration), but had clear long-term frameworks and led to multiple court battles.
The 2025 proclamation is:
- Time-sensitive and reviewable every 6 months
- Focused more narrowly on visa issuance rather than all forms of entry
- Applied across 36 countries rather than just Muslim-majority countries
- Still difficult to challenge legally due to presidential authority under INA §212(f)
Conclusion
This proclamation is a significant setback for many Iranian families and professionals hoping to come to the United States. While there is a narrow path to exceptions and future changes are possible, the policy remains in full force for now. If you or your family are affected, consult an immigration attorney to understand your options and strategize based on your current visa status and location.
