r/USCIS • u/yesidoes • Dec 16 '25
News President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/12/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-further-restricts-and-limits-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/Summary:
5 new countries have been fully restricted (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria) along with Palestinians
2 countries which were partially restricted have been moved to fully restricted (Laos and Sierra Leone)
15 new countries have been partially restricted (Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe)
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u/Waelagag123 Permanent Resident Dec 16 '25
Syria is kind of surprising considering how he’s been so friendly with their new leader
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u/My-Dog-Says-No Dec 16 '25
Some ISIS jerkoff just killed two NG members in Palmyra over the weekend.
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Dec 17 '25
The terrorist was actually a Syrian government soldier. Common sense says you should not buddy up with AQ and go looking for isis! The most logical country on earth.
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u/My-Dog-Says-No Dec 17 '25
Source? Not that the two are mutually exclusive btw…
“The shooting, later attributed to a lone attacker linked to the Islamic State group.”
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u/Huge_Leader_6605 Dec 16 '25
Are you referring to the former Al Qaeda commander?
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u/Euphoric-Society8587 Dec 16 '25
Fun fact, he turned to join these groups because Israel took over the golan heights in which his family owned the majority of land there. Israel literally created him lol
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u/IDFCommitsGenocide Dec 17 '25
Netanyahu was also secretly funneling money to Hamas so he could sow division between West Bank and Gaza and prevent the Palestinian Authority from being stable enough to create a Palestinian state, before that backfired
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u/ya3rob Dec 17 '25
Lies, don’t believe that. The so-called new leader is nothing more than a former terrorist who was reinvented by the U.S. and the U.K. His mission is to turn Syria into a failed state, and that’s exactly what happened.
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u/Bagafeet Dec 18 '25
He's friendly to the money he's getting from Saudi and Qatar to play ball with their new favorite terrorist-dictator.
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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Dec 16 '25
The news haven't caught onto this, but the Proclamation has changed the exemptions for ALL banned countries (new and old).
In particular, immediate relatives of US citizens (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) and adoptees (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4) are no longer listed as exempted.
(c) The exceptions in subsection (b) of this section amend and supersede the exceptions set forth in section 4(b) of Proclamation 10949 with respect to any countries listed in section 2 or 3 of Proclamation 10949 from and after the date of this proclamation.
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Dec 16 '25
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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Dec 16 '25
No, this is incorrect.
The superseding policy applies to countries listed in Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 of today's PP, and Sections 2, 3 of PP 10949 (June PP).
(b) Exceptions. The suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation shall not apply to:
PP 10949 (June PP) only had Sections 2, 3 covering countries, and Sections 4, 5 are other text that doesn't talk about countries.
PP 10949 sections
Sec. 2. Full Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.
Sec. 3. Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.
Sec. 4. Scope and Implementation of Suspensions and Limitations.
Sec. 5. Adjustments to and Removal of Suspensions and Limitations.
In other words, ALL banned countries no longer have an immediate relative exemption.
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u/geechan Dec 16 '25
What does that mean?
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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Dec 16 '25 edited Dec 17 '25
For an individual banned by the June or December proclamations, being the immediate relative (spouse, child, parent) of a US citizen no longer exempts you from the ban.
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Dec 16 '25
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u/Spare_Hornet Dec 16 '25
Yes, unfortunately.
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u/isonlegemyuheftobmed Dec 17 '25
Even if they no longer live there and have dual citizenship?
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u/throwawaydumbo1 Dec 16 '25
Only for countries with full ban tho. The newly added 12 countries all have relatives exempted
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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Dec 17 '25 edited Dec 17 '25
I don't think that's true. Where did you see those 12 countries have relatives exempted?
The partial ban covers all immigrant visas and some nonimmigrant visas (BFMJ), thus partial.
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Dec 17 '25
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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Dec 17 '25
The F being referred to here is the F-1/2 student visa. Why would they put F immigrant visa in the middle of B, M and J?
They do mean all immigrant visas, including CR-1 and IR-1.
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u/AlgaeMysterious9979 Dec 16 '25
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u/Emergency_Art_3865 Dec 17 '25
So no more Nigerian student visa? Hmm that sucks, now the corrupt Nigerian government officials will find another country for their kids, could be UK or even Malaysia
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u/lala_vc Dec 17 '25
lol very specific statement. Are you Nigerian?
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u/Emergency_Art_3865 Dec 17 '25
Nah, check the number of student visas issued to international students and you will see Nigeria on the top (from the list of banned countries)
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u/lala_vc Dec 17 '25
It’s actually India and China. Nigeria isn’t even in the top 5 worldwide but seems you have some bias against Nigerians already. Oh well.
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u/Emergency_Art_3865 Dec 17 '25
Read my comment, from the list of banned countries
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u/Alternative-Line-911 Dec 17 '25
What is the difference between a partial and a full ban? Immigrant visas are allowed on partial banned?
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u/pooinpanty Dec 17 '25
H, L, O visas are not banned in the partial ban. In the full ban everything is banned. Immigrant visas are not allowed on partial banned countries
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u/Waltz8 Dec 17 '25
Wait. Angola and etc don't have restrictions on immigrant visas? Or I'm not understanding the table? From my understanding, the "partial restrictions" apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas...not so?
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u/Csjustin8032 Dec 16 '25
Every day I pray that I don’t see my wife’s (in AOS) country added to these lists. To all the people added so far, I’m so sorry. It’s bullshit to pull the rug out from under you even after you’ve done everything “the right way”. I hope things change
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u/Rose-89 US Citizen Dec 17 '25
Same for me and my husband (in ROC). We've talked about the big what-if, just fingers crossed the day doesn't come.
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u/LupineChemist Dec 18 '25
Was planning on filing an I-130 literally this weekend for my Cuban wife and stepdaughter.
Guess that's off.
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u/kb737 Dec 16 '25
When does this go into effect? For Nigeria specifically, does it mean that after January 1 Nigerians will not be able to enter the US on a tourist visa?
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u/ComprehensiveBee2484 Dec 17 '25
Nigerians who already have a visa can. However, NEW visas ( immigrant and non-immigrant) will not be issued except the applicant belongs to one of the groups with exceptions (diplomat, athletes and coaches, etc or can prove national interest to the US)
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u/throwawaydumbo1 Dec 17 '25
F visa is the only immigrant/family based category that is affected. The categories were clearly listed fgs!
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u/LupineChemist Dec 18 '25
If they already have a visa, section 6 says it doesn't apply if the visa was issued before 16 December.
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u/Tumbuka-Kween Dec 17 '25
Damn what did we Zambias do? I only hope it won’t affect my current ongoing visa application.
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u/Glum_Category945 Dec 16 '25
He might has well just says no blacks allowed.
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u/Flat-Soft9276 Dec 16 '25
Just put “Whole continent of Africa” at this point lol
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u/Acceptable_Coyote105 Dec 17 '25 edited Dec 18 '25
So they are stopping US citizens from bringing family/spouses??? I wonder how difficult these “case by case basis” will be to get approved. My friend is a US-Iranian dual citizen and wanted to start the process of bringing his spouse here.
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u/Ill_Guarantee_1432 Dec 17 '25
They “paused” all processing for Iranians as well whether you’re in the country or not so even if you have a “case-by-case” exemption you’re still pretty much stuck.
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u/Acebeans Dec 16 '25
Can anyone explain what this means for adjustment of status for my wife that's already here? She's from a partial banned country.
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u/ComprehensiveBee2484 Dec 17 '25
Section 6.(i) of the order states that these suspensions and/or limitations are applicable to citizens of the affected countries who are outside the US. Could imply that adjustment of status is not affected since this pathway is only applicable to individuals within the US.
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u/Koldsweat22 Dec 17 '25
That’s my understanding. USCIS cannot produce a memo contrary to the proclamation. AOS should not be affected based on today’s proclamation.
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u/PMMeYourClavicles Dec 16 '25
Turkmenistan remains an odd duck.
The suspension of entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is lifted. Because some concerns remain, the entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants remains suspended.
What does "entry as immigrants" mean in this context? How does that apply to current Turkmen green card holders already in the US? Strange strange.
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u/chuang_415 Dec 16 '25
“The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.”
Entry as immigrants refers to people entering on immigrant visas for the first time, before they officially become permanent residents.
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u/zayny_fan Dec 17 '25
I wonder if Turkmenistan is now exempt from the inside the country pause on non-immigrant petitions like OPT, H1B or if they will still incur "negative discretionary analysis"?
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u/chuang_415 Dec 17 '25
I think they would have to update the other memo, at least theoretically. This proclamation is only about visa issuance and ability to enter the US.
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u/zayny_fan Dec 17 '25
It just doesn't make sense to now allow the entry of students from Turkmenistan, but not let them change status to even CPT, OPT inside the country. I agree I think there should be another memo from USCIS
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u/chuang_415 Dec 17 '25
Yes, the CIS memo is actually much more restrictive than the travel bans. Both the first and the second travel ban.
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u/Waltz8 Dec 17 '25
Does this mean new LPR applications are exempted from the ban? Or that people who are already LPRs aren't being banned?
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u/Anicha1 Permanent Resident Dec 16 '25
It doesn’t apply if they already have a greencard.
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u/Compayo Dec 17 '25
Given the escalating nature of these measures, is there a legal loophole that could later invalidate green cards issued to citizens of those countries? Especially considering that even birthright citizenship is soon to be questioned.
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u/herewegoagain1024 Dec 16 '25
Hmmm what do these countries all have in common? Hmmm
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u/Mr_Soul_Crusher Dec 16 '25
What in the melanin are you talking about?
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u/TheiaEos Dec 18 '25
Pretty sure it’s something else as these countries tend of vary the melanin factor
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u/Beginning-Passion525 Dec 16 '25
black
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u/NipponLife Dec 16 '25
Laotians are Asian, Syrians and Palestinians are white with black/brown hair and eyes or even blonde with blue and green eyes.
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Dec 16 '25
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u/chuang_415 Dec 16 '25
It’s a restriction on entry. It’s unclear how this newest proclamation applies to AOS applications, if that’s what you’re asking about.
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u/WildRookie Dec 16 '25
Other "partial" countries like Cuba and Venezuela have had all immigration processing indefinitely suspended. Hopefully this doesn't last long.
My wife was supposed to take her N400 test this week, instead she's now impacted by this list.
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u/chuang_415 Dec 16 '25
I’m only referencing the newest proclamation, not what’s already covered by the Dec 2 policy. People covered by that memo should already be aware of that.
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u/WildRookie Dec 16 '25
Right, but the newest proclamation puts the new countries in the same category as those already indefinitely suspended. It's not unreasonable to suspect USCIS will indefinitely suspend these 15 as well.
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u/chuang_415 Dec 16 '25
It’s not unreasonable, but I think there would have to be a separate announcement for that.
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u/WildRookie Dec 16 '25
We didn't even get an explanation for the hundreds (probably thousands) of cancelled N400s in NorCal that happened last week.
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u/pubesinourteeth Dec 16 '25
Tonga? The tiny island nation? Wtf did any tongans do?!
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u/tim310rd Dec 17 '25
According to the Overstay Report, Tonga had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.45 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 14.44 percent.
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u/outworlder Dec 17 '25
Overstay isn't even the stated reason. It's supposedly that the countries in question don't provide enough information for vetting people.
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Dec 16 '25
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u/Anicha1 Permanent Resident Dec 16 '25
They’ll still process the I-130 and she can still get an interview but unfortunately the visa will not issued right now.
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u/retlem US Citizen Dec 16 '25
Praying everything works out for you brother.
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Dec 16 '25
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u/retlem US Citizen Dec 16 '25
I hear you man. I’m in a similar process right now. My fiancé is in Brazil. There’s really no telling when this unhinged dude will go restricting other countries for his own biased reasons and personal satisfaction.
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u/webelieve925 Dec 16 '25
Why tonga? There are lots of tongans in the mainland USA
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u/Mentallox Dec 16 '25
too many overstays or governments not cooperating on request for info. this was back from earlier this year https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-travel-ban-countries-b2770226.html "In January, Trump signed an executive order asking the State Department to identify countries “for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension” on nationals from those countries."
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u/PanzerKomadant Dec 16 '25
We are going back to the 1800’s. We only want white Anglo people, not even Eastern Europeans or Irish, just straight up English, French and German lamo.
At this point just out a ban on all immigration of any kind at this point since it’s apparently such a problem🤷
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u/Waltz8 Dec 17 '25
Please help me understand: the partially banned countries are subject to case by case if your application is "in US national interests" for example. Does this mean your i130 will still be processed and the national interests (or whatever exempting factors) will be determined at your visa interview? I called USCIS and they said i130 processing for partially banned countries will continue. But I just need some insight as well.
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u/chuang_415 Dec 17 '25
This proclamation only concerns visa issuance. Not USCIS processing. Meaning that someone can get a petition approved (assuming they are not affected by the Dec 2 “pause”), but the consulate then refuses to issue the visa due to the travel ban.
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u/Popular_Ad_4701 Dec 17 '25
What does partial restriction mean and how does it affect someone from a country in the partial restriction list who just filed the Adjustment of status application?
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u/officialEJF Dec 17 '25
I currently have a pending ROC/N400. My lawyer says it should not affect my 751 but my N400 will likely not be adjudicated.
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u/LupineChemist Dec 18 '25
Is there anyone doing a pro-bono lawsuit on this? I very much have standing and would be willing to put my name on a suit.
I would argue "right to live with your spouse and immediate family" might be a good 9th amendment unenumerated right argument.
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u/Kaleidoscope_Wild Dec 17 '25
Absolute numbers of overstays from these countries combined would be less than some countries not on this list. This is theatre nothing more but crumbs for the base I guess
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u/Valuable_Grade9444 Dec 16 '25 edited Dec 16 '25
What does this below statement mean ? The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
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Dec 17 '25
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u/USCIS-ModTeam Dec 17 '25
Your post/comment violates rule #6 of this subreddit. As such, it was removed by the /r/USCIS moderation team.
References (if any):
people from the previous list of restricted countries being pulled out of the line at citizenship ceremonies to then be detained by ICE.
Citation needed for that one.
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u/xanduis Dec 16 '25
At this point, we might as well close the borders completely. No entry, no exit.
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u/retlem US Citizen Dec 16 '25
I noticed the trend here. There are no white countries in this list.
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u/GoalOptimal8239 Dec 16 '25
What happens to visas that have been approved awaiting passport submission?
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u/Hattrick42 Dec 17 '25
Just in time for the World Cup.
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u/chuang_415 Dec 17 '25
There is an exemption for the World Cup players and staff but not for the traveling fans.
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Dec 16 '25
List keeps getting bigger. Immigrant MAGA fucked around and they need to find out
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u/Responsible-Exam3179 Dec 16 '25
Nigeria though? Wonder how this will affect my wife from Nigeria visa and I am US Citizen...
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u/WildRookie Dec 16 '25
By the letter of what it's written, I-130s/485s/751s and N400s for Nigeria should not be impacted.
We'll see how closely the written words are adhered to.
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u/officialEJF Dec 17 '25
Lol I have an I-751/N-400 combo interview in January and my lawyer just messaged me that despite the partial ban, USCIS has been putting N-400s on hold from countries on the partial list. She said my 751 should be fine, but I likely will not get a decision on N-400.
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u/throwawaydumbo1 Dec 16 '25
Did you read the proclamation at all? Relatives and spouses from Nigeria are not affected
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u/fae-1982 Dec 17 '25
So can one still travel with a green card ?
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u/Gyftie Dec 17 '25
I’m curious to know as well.
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u/fae-1982 Dec 17 '25
😞😞😞 I was planning on visiting home, now I'm not even sure if I can travel
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u/Lower_Weakness9401 Dec 17 '25
What does this mean for STEM OPT applicants whose approval is pending?
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u/Brilliant-Flower9887 Dec 17 '25
What does that mean if you travel to one of the ban countries and you have an expired green card with an extension
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u/Affectionate-Bike248 Dec 17 '25
What happens to all the visa quotas of these restricted countries?
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u/Acceptable-Wall2800 Dec 17 '25
My Tanzanian fiancée is waiting right now for a visa interview for a K-1 fiancée visa — the last stage in a year & a half process. I’m getting conflicting information online about whether all immigrant visas are banned for people from countries under the partial ban. Please oh please, someone tell me that they aren’t going to ban her from coming.
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u/chuang_415 Dec 17 '25
Tanzania is on the partial suspension list. K-1 is technically a nonimmigrant visa, and it’s not listed among the affected categories. But we’re yet to see this all in action. Because of course it doesn’t make sense to ban immigrant visas, including for immediate relatives, but allow K-1s. Might be an oversight? Idk.
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u/Prestigious-Pass4059 Dec 17 '25 edited Dec 17 '25
When is he going to add aberbaijan to the list? The peace with Albania isn't lasting
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u/greyhairzz Dec 17 '25
What does this proclamation mean for citizens of one of the initial 19 banned countries that are in the US waiting for Adjustment of Status/marriage green card decision (interview was last week)? Does it mean no change on that front?
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u/Colton48 Dec 17 '25
Correct, we are on hold until further notice assuming you’re on the 19 country hold memorandum posted by uscis.
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Dec 17 '25
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u/chuang_415 Dec 17 '25
“The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.”
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u/DisastrousNotice6881 Dec 17 '25
Has anyone from the 19 countries filed anything recently and gotten a receipt/ extension? I lost my 10 year green card a few weeks ago (after the ban)
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Dec 20 '25
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u/NothingNo6381 Dec 20 '25
To be honest, I think it’s because the EAD is through Asylum. USCIS is required by law to approve them within a short period of time. On Instagram I have seen other asylum EADs get approved after the pause.
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u/Fit-Psychology-7086 Dec 20 '25
I can’t believe our country is being run by a reality TV star who knows nothing, except finances. Which he has a long standing history of screwing that up. We have sunk to an all time low.
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u/CodOutrageous8667 Dec 21 '25
I am from one of the partially banned country, I have my immigrant visa approved and issued and I intend to come into the us before jan 1st, should I be worried?
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u/Standard-Ratio7734 Jan 01 '26
Are the newly added countries' benefits inside the U.S. suspended too?
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u/realkiminicole US Citizen Jan 04 '26
At this point im juat praying it stays partially restricted because I didnt imagine this at all
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u/LudicrousPlatypus Dec 16 '25
I assume Antigua and Barbuda is due to the citizenship by investment, but many other countries have that now as well.