Breaking News: U.S. Suspends Visa Issuance for 19 Countries Starting June 9, 2025

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Breaking News: U.S. Suspends Visa Issuance for 19 Countries Starting June 9, 2025

Breaking News: U.S. Suspends Visa Issuance for 19 Countries Starting June 9, 2025

In a significant move to enhance national security, the United States has implemented a sweeping suspension of visa issuance for citizens of 19 countries. The suspension, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT, June 9, 2025, follows a Presidential Proclamation aimed at countering foreign terrorist threats and safeguarding national safety.

If you are a citizen of one of these nations and planning to travel to the U.S., this policy may affect your plans. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Countries Affected by the U.S. Visa Suspension

Full Visa Suspension:

Citizens from the following countries are completely barred from obtaining both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, with only limited exceptions:

1.Republic of the Congo
2.Burma (Myanmar)
3.Chad
4.Afghanistan
5.Iran
6.Equatorial Guinea
7.Sudan
8.Haiti
9.Eritrea
10.Libya
11.Yemen
12.Somalia

Partial Visa Suspension:

For these countries, restrictions apply to specific visa categories:

●Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2)
●Student and Exchange Visas (F, M, J)
●All Immigrant Visas

Countries impacted include:

1.Laos
2.Cuba
3.Burundi
4.Turkmenistan
5.Togo
6.Sierra Leone
7.Venezuela

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Who Is Exempt from the Visa Suspension?

Certain groups remain eligible for U.S. visas under specific exemptions:

●Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Spouses, children, and parents.
●Adoption Cases: For U.S. citizen adoptive parents.
●Persecuted Minorities: Religious or ethnic minorities, particularly from Iran.
●Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders: Including U.S. government employees.
●Participants in Major International Sporting Events.
●Dual Nationals: Holding a valid passport from a non-suspended country.
●Green Card Holders: Lawful Permanent Residents are unaffected.

Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security may grant National Interest Exceptions on a case-by-case basis for reasons of diplomacy, justice, or humanitarian needs.

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What Happens If You Already Have a Visa?

Good news for those holding valid U.S. visas as of June 9, 2025:

●You are not affected by this suspension.
●Your visa remains valid for travel and entry.
●The ban does not retroactively revoke any existing visas.

However, foreign nationals outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of this date will be subject to the new restrictions.

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Can You Still Apply for a U.S. Visa?

Yes, applications remain open. But applicants should be aware of the following:

●Applications may be accepted, and interviews scheduled, but approval is not guaranteed.
●Many cases are likely to be placed on administrative hold pending further clarification of the proclamation.

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What’s Next?

The visa suspension reflects the U.S. government’s focus on national security. If you are planning to travel or have questions about your visa status, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest developments.

What You Should Do:

●Check Your Eligibility: If you’re from an affected country, review the exemptions carefully.
●Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for potential administrative delays in visa processing.
●Seek Legal Advice: If in doubt, consult an immigration lawyer or specialist for personalized guidance.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.

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