Imagine planning a trip to the U.S., only to find out a new travel ban could stop you from entering. The Trump administration is rolling out new rules that could make getting visas harder for people from over 40 countries. This major change could separate families, hurt businesses, and ruin long-term plans.
So, what does this mean for you?
Immigration lawyer Josh Goldstein recently held two live Q&A sessions to break it all down. Hundreds of people joined to ask questions and get answers about what’s coming.
We’ve gathered the most important takeaways from those sessions. If this ban affects you, this guide will help you understand what could happen next. Stay tuned for official updates from Goldstein Immigration Lawyers!
@joshisimmigration Replying to @shasteph151281 you have questions about the travel band and I have answers. #immigrationlawyer #immigration #travelban #greencard ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
📢 Important Proposed Travel Ban Notice 📢
This information is based on recent reports and may change as the United States government finalizes these travel rules. Please note this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our immigration team is closely following these developments to help our clients understand what might happen next.
Josh Goldstein Breaks Down the New Travel Ban—Here’s What You Missed!
This Q&A is from a live event hosted by immigration lawyer Josh Goldstein in March 2025. During the event, Attorney Goldstein talked about the upcoming travel ban, which is expected to start in mid-March. He shared his thoughts based on early reports since the full details of the order weren’t available at the time. This section will answer some of the most common questions from the event.
Live Event FAQs: Basic Travel Ban Information
Q: What is the travel ban and when is it expected to come into effect?
A: The travel ban is one of Trump’s executive orders 2025 restricting immigration from certain countries. It was announced during Trump's inauguration on January 19th and is expected to take effect 60 days later, around March 18-19th.
Q: How will the travel ban categorize countries?
A: The travel ban is expected to divide countries into three categories:
- Red: Countries with a complete ban on travel to the US
- Orange: Countries with severe restrictions, but not complete bans
- Yellow: Countries given 60 days to fix issues or face restrictions
Q: Which countries are likely to be in the "red" category (complete ban)?
A: The countries likely to face 100% U.S. immigration restrictions include Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
Live Event FAQs: Travel Rules Impact on Different Immigration Statuses
Q: Does the travel ban affect US citizens?
A: No. If you're a US citizen, the travel ban does not apply to you regardless of your country of origin. You can travel freely with your US passport.
Q: How does the travel ban affect green card holders?
A: Green card holders from potentially affected countries to avoid international travel until more details about the ban are available. While legal permanent residents might be exempted, there's uncertainty around this.
Q: Will people already in the US be affected by the travel ban?
A: The travel ban is primarily designed to prevent people from entering the US, not to affect those already going through immigration processes within the US.
Q: Should visa holders from potentially affected countries enter the US now?
A: Yes. It’s strongly recommended that anyone with a valid visa from a country that might be affected should enter the US immediately before the ban takes effect.
Live Event FAQs: Travel Rules Legal Challenges and Duration
Q: Will there be legal challenges to the travel ban?
A: Yes. Josh expects numerous lawsuits challenging the travel ban, but believes that ultimately the Supreme Court will uphold it.
Q: How long might the travel ban last?
A: The ban could potentially last for the duration of the administration (until January 2029 if Trump serves a full term), and that it would likely be lifted if a Democrat becomes president afterward.
Live Event FAQs: Impact of Travel Rules on Special Cases
Q: How will the travel ban affect refugees?
A: There’s uncertainty about how the travel ban would specifically affect refugees.
Q: If I've applied for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery and I'm from an affected country, what happens?
A: Josh suggested that DV lottery winners should still have a chance to obtain their visas before the ban is implemented.
Q: Should political activists with green cards be concerned?
A: Josh advises green card holders to avoid political activism or protesting until they become citizens, as their immigration status could potentially be affected.
Live Event FAQs: Immigration Process During Travel Ban
Q: Can I still adjust status within the US if I'm from a banned country?
A: According to Josh, the travel ban focuses on preventing entry to the US, so those already in the US pursuing adjustment of status should not be directly affected.
Q: Is denaturalization (losing citizenship) a concern during the travel ban?
A: Josh explains that denaturalization is extremely difficult and requires a federal court trial, so it's not something most citizens need to worry about.
Live Event FAQs: US Citizens & Travel Bans
Q: Do travel bans apply to US citizens?
A: No. If you're a US citizen, travel bans do not apply to you. Immigration laws don't apply to US citizens, so you can travel freely regardless of which countries are on any travel ban list.
Q: Can US citizens from travel ban countries lose their citizenship if they travel abroad?
A: No. Once you have US citizenship, you're protected from travel bans. You can travel with your US passport without concern about losing your citizenship.
Live Event FAQs: The Effect of Travel Rules On Green Card Holders
Q: Should green card holders from potentially affected countries travel outside the US right now?
A: Josh strongly advises against it. Given the uncertainty about an upcoming travel ban, the safest approach is to remain in the US until more information is available.
Q: Why would someone keep a green card for 17 years without becoming a citizen?
A: For most people, applying for citizenship after holding a green card for 5+ years makes sense. However, some might choose not to naturalize if their home country doesn't allow dual citizenship (the example given was Japan).
Live Event FAQs: Specific Scenarios
Q: What should someone with a valid visa from a potential ban country do?
A: Enter the US immediately. Josh strongly urges anyone with a valid visa (like a K1 fiancé visa) from countries that might be affected to enter the US as soon as possible, even if it means changing travel plans or paying for expensive last-minute flights.
Q: What about refugees from affected countries?
A: Josh acknowledges uncertainty about how a travel ban would affect refugees specifically.
Live Event FAQs: Travel Ban Timeline and Expectations
Q: How long do travel bans typically last?
A: There's no standard timeline. Josh suggests it could potentially last for the duration of the administration.
Q: When will more information about the travel ban be available?
A: Josh speculates more information might be available "by Monday" (relative to when this livestream occurred).
The Three Tiers of Country Travel Rules Explained
The plan divides countries into three different groups based on how strict the travel rules will be:
Red Group - No Travel Allowed
People from these countries would not be allowed to enter the United States at all. This means no tourist visits, no family reunions, and no business trips. The countries in this group include:
🔴 Cuba - an island nation in the Caribbean
🔴 Iran - a country in the Middle East
🔴 Libya - located in North Africa
🔴 North Korea - in East Asia
🔴 Somalia - in East Africa
🔴 Sudan - in Northeast Africa
🔴 Syria - in the Middle East
🔴 Venezuela - in South America
🔴 Afghanistan - in Central/South Asia
🔴 Bhutan - a small country near India
@joshisimmigration Replying to @muttghhujj your wife should urgently return to the US much sooner than the 21st. #yemen #yemen🇾🇪 #yemeni #immigrationlawyer #immigrant #greencard ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
Orange Group - Limited Travel with Extra Steps
People from these countries could still come to the United States, but with more difficulties.
The countries in this group include:
🔶 Russia - the largest country in the world
🔶 Pakistan - in South Asia
🔶 Myanmar - in Southeast Asia
🔶 Belarus - in Eastern Europe
🔶 Haiti - in the Caribbean
🔶 Laos - in Southeast Asia
🔶 Sierra Leone - in West Africa
🔶 South Sudan - in East Africa
🔶 Turkmenistan - in Central Asia
Citizens of Orange Countries Will Need to
- Complete in-person interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates.
- Only apply for short-term visas (not permanent residence).
- Go through extra security checks.
@joshisimmigration Replying to @lynn7049 URGENT TRAVEL BAN UPDATE: Syrian visitor visa holders at risk 🚨 If your family member has a valid visa (like this viewer's mom), they need to enter the US NOW ⏰ Don't wait - new restrictions coming soon. Contact: Joshua Goldstein, Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, joshua@jgoldlaw.com #travelban #immigrationlaw #syrianimmigrants #visaholders #immigrationattorney #immigrationlawyer ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
Yellow Group - Countries on Notice
This includes 22 countries that have been warned to improve their security checks. These countries have 60 days to fix problems with how they screen travelers. hey could be moved to the more restrictive orange or red groups if they don't make these improvements.
Some of the countries in this group are:
🟨 Angola - in Southern Africa
🟨 Antigua and Barbuda - in the Caribbean
🟨 Benin - in West Africa
🟨 Burkina Faso - in West Africa
🟨 Cambodia - in Southeast Asia
🟨 Cameroon - in Central Africa
🟨 Republic of Congo - in Central Africa
🟨 St. Lucia - in the Caribbean
🟨 Vanuatu - a Pacific island nation
🟨 Zimbabwe - in Southern Africa
Why These Travel Rules Changes Are Happening Now
President Trump signed an order on his first day back in office, January 20. This order along with other 2025 immigration policies called for stricter immigration controls. The government says these new travel rules will help protect America's national security. They think some countries do not check the backgrounds of travelers to the U.S. This could let dangerous people enter the country.
This new plan builds on a travel ban Trump created during his first term as president. Those earlier rules stopped people from seven mostly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. Those travel rules were challenged in court but were eventually approved by the Supreme Court in 2018.
How These Travel Rules Affect Students and Scholars
The United States government is now paying more attention to international students. This is especially true for those involved in political activities. Recently, officials took action against students at Columbia University who joined pro-Palestinian protests:
- Several students were arrested and detained by immigration authorities.
- One person who had a green card (permanent resident) was detained, which is unusual.
- A student from India had her visa canceled and left for Canada before she could be arrested.
- The Secretary of State has said more students might lose their visas in the coming weeks.
The government says that students who support violence or make anti-Jewish comments have broken their student visa travel rules. This suggests that political activities could now affect visa status and travel bans for students more than in the past.
@joshisimmigration #greenscreen the countries likely to be impacted by Trump’s travel band tend to fit a pattern. Can you see it? #immigrationlawyer #immigration #travelban #greencard ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
What These Changes Mean for Immigrants and Visitors
If you are from one of these countries, or have family there, these changes may affect your United States visa application and travel immigration plans. The new travel rules could affect:
👪 Family visits and reunions.
📚 Student and work opportunities.
💼 ✈️ Business travel and tourism.
🕊️ Refugee admissions.
🌎 Green card applications.
What Might Happen Next
Proposed Trump immigration policy travel rules represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. Before the visa ban USA become final, several things might happen:
- Legal challenges in federal courts could delay or block the proposed travel ban.
- Other countries might protest these restrictions or create similar visa rules for Americans.
- Congress might try to influence how these visa bans are implemented.
- Travel restrictions could be changed based on feedback before becoming final.
How Our Boston Immigration Firm Can Help
Our experienced Boston immigration attorneys closest to you understand how stressful these changes can be for families and individuals. We can:
✅ Explain how these new travel rules might affect your specific situation.
✅ Help you prepare for visa interviews if you're from an affected country.
✅ Explore alternative immigration options if your country faces restrictions.
✅ Keep you updated as these policies develop and change.
✅ Represent you if you face visa revocation or other immigration issues.
Please contact our office to schedule a consultation if you're concerned about how these new travel rules might affect you or your loved ones. We're here to help you navigate these complex changes and protect your right to travel and immigrate legally.
@joshisimmigration Replying to @Amiir haji I believe that the travel ban will prevent the issuance of an immigrant visa for someone from Somalia #somalitiktok #somali #immigrationlawyer ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
Protect Your Future Today!
With these new U.S. immigration travel restrictions coming, waiting for the final rules could seriously risk your immigration plans. The time to act is now, before these policies are fully implemented.
Our Boston immigration attorneys can evaluate how these new restrictions affect you. We’ll create strategies to help you travel, study, work, or reunite with family in the United States. Don't let uncertainty about your immigration status keep you awake at night.
Schedule your private consultation today by filling out our secure online form below. We have helped many clients with immigration issues, and we are ready to fight for your rights too!
Remember: Once Trump’s new immigration rules are announced, it will be TOO LATE to act!
Most Common Trump 2025 Travel Ban FAQs - What You Need to Know Right Now!
Continue reading to find Goldstein Immigration Lawyer’s most common FAQs on Trump’s 2025 Proposed Travel Ban.
❓ Is there a travel ban in effect right now ❓
Not yet—but the clock is ticking. Trump's anticipated travel ban could drop ANY DAY NOW, possibly as soon as tomorrow. If you or your loved ones are from potentially affected countries, you need to act immediately. This isn't speculation—it's preparation for what's coming.
❓ Trump’s 2025 Travel Rules: Should You Be Concerned ❓
Yes, certainly. If you want to visit or live in the U.S., these new rules could make it much harder. The Trump administration is planning stricter travel rules that could stop people from about 40 countries from coming in.
And if you have a green card, now is the time to take action to protect your status. These changes could separate families, cancel travel plans, and make the future uncertain. Contact our Boston team of immigration experts for a consultation.
❓ When exactly will the travel ban start ❓
We don't have an official date, but inside sources suggest it could be announced as early as tomorrow or by March 21st. Don't wait for the official announcement when it will already be too late to act.
❓ What's different about this travel ban compared to previous ones ❓
This ban is expected to be far more severe with a three-tier system that could block immigration from up to 43 countries:
- Red: Complete ban on entry
- Orange: Severe restrictions making entry nearly impossible
- Yellow: Restricted entry with extensive additional screening
❓ Should I be concerned about my immigration case ❓
Yes. You should absolutely be concerned if you're from a potentially affected country. Once this ban takes effect, ongoing immigration cases could freeze completely. The time to take action is NOW, not after the ban is announced. We've seen this before—people who waited during the last travel ban were separated from their families for YEARS.
❓ Which countries will be affected by the U.S. immigration changes in 2025❓
While the official list hasn't dropped yet, countries almost certainly on the chopping block include:
- Afghanistan
- Somalia
- Venezuela
- Iran
- Syria
- Yemen And potentially dozens more among the rumored 43 nations being targeted.
❓ What does this mean as a U.S. citizen with an affected family ❓
While you can travel freely, your family members abroad may be completely blocked from joining you once the ban takes effect. If they have valid visas NOW, they should enter the US IMMEDIATELY.
❓ I'm a green card holder from one of these countries. Am I safe ❓
The previous green card holder travel ban left many stranded—this one could do the same or worse.
❓ I've had my green card for years. Should I be worried ❓
If you've had your green card for 5+ years and haven't applied for citizenship yet, do it NOW. Don't wait another day. For those with fewer than 5 years, cancel any international travel plans immediately.
❓ I have a valid visa but I'm outside the US. What should I do ❓
GET ON A PLANE TODAY. This is not an exaggeration. Book the next available flight to the US, even if it's expensive. The cost of a last-minute flight is nothing compared to potentially being banned for years.
❓ Is it safe for green card holders to travel domestically❓
Domestic travel is generally safe, but carry your physical green card and proof of residence at all times. Increased enforcement could lead to more questioning even for domestic travelers.
❓ I was planning to visit Canada/Mexico and return. Is that safe ❓
ABSOLUTELY NOT if you're from a potential ban country. Any international travel—even a day trip across the border—could result in being denied re-entry once the ban is in place.
❓ I have a vacation planned next month. Should I cancel it ❓
If you're from a country likely to be on any of the lists, yes—cancel it immediately. Your vacation can wait, but your immigration status won't.
❓ Are there waivers for the travel ban ❓
Technically, there are waivers, but the process has been criticized as a sham. While waivers were available during the first implementation, very few people were approved. Many people believe that future waivers may not help individuals avoid the new travel rules. During the last travel ban, waivers were almost impossible to get—less than 2% of applications were approved. Don't count on waivers as your backup plan.
@joshisimmigration Here’s an urgent warning about the upcoming travel ban. If you’re not a US citizen and you’re from one of the impacted countries get back to the United States immediately travel van is expected to come into effect as soon as March 19. Follow me for more detail details. #immigrationlawyer #immigration #greencard ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
❓ Won't the courts block this travel ban ❓
Don't bet on it. The previous travel ban faced legal challenges but was ultimately UPHELD by the Supreme Court. The same Court that allowed the last ban is still in place.
❓ How long will this travel ban last ❓
Potentially for YEARS—possibly until 2029 or whenever there's a change in administration. This isn't a temporary measure; it's a long-term policy shift that could affect your life for the foreseeable future.
❓ I've already had my visa interview and I'm in administrative processing. What now ❓
Continue submitting any requested documents, but also prepare for your case to be indefinitely paused once the ban takes effect. If you've received your visa already, enter the US immediately.
❓ How will this affect refugees from these countries ❓
Refugee admissions from banned countries will likely grind to a halt. Previous bans severely restricted refugee admissions, and this one is expected to be even more restrictive.
❓ I'm a student with a visa from a potentially affected country. Can I travel for spring break❓
CANCEL YOUR PLANS IMMEDIATELY. International students who leave the US might not be able to return to finish their degrees. Is that short trip home worth potentially abandoning your entire education?
❓ What should I do right now to prepare for Trump’s proposed travel rules ❓
If you're outside the US with a valid visa from a potentially affected country, enter the US NOW
- If you're in the US from a potentially affected country, CANCEL all international travel plans
- If eligible for citizenship, APPLY IMMEDIATELY
- Consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation TODAY, not tomorrow
❓ What is the travel ban, and when did it start ❓
The travel ban was introduced by President Trump during his first term, following his campaign promise. At first, he wanted to ban Muslims from entering the US. Later, this idea changed into a wider "travel ban" that included countries like North Korea. The Supreme Court supported the ban. It has impacted people from some countries, and more countries may be added later.
❓ If someone is a U.S. citizen, does the travel ban apply to them ❓
No, if you are a U.S. citizen, the travel ban does not apply to you. As a U.S. citizen, you can travel freely. Immigration laws, like the travel ban, do not limit you.
❓ Is it safe for green card holders to travel outside the U.S. during the travel ban ❓
If you have a green card, especially from a country affected by the ban, it's best to avoid traveling abroad. There is uncertainty about the future of the travel ban. If you have had a green card for a long time, think about becoming a U.S. citizen. This can help you avoid risks related to the ban.
❓ If someone has a K-1 visa, should they travel to the U.S. immediately ❓
Yes, if you have a K-1 visa and you're planning to travel to the U.S., it's recommended that you do so as soon as possible. With rumors that some countries, like Venezuela, may be added to the travel ban list, waiting could mean you can't use your visa. It's better to take immediate action and travel while you still have the opportunity.
❓ Will the travel ban impact people with valid visas or green cards if they are from affected countries ❓
Yes, people from countries on the travel ban list, even with valid visas or green cards, may face challenges when traveling. Past experiences during the Trump administration showed that people could not return to the U.S. for a long time. This is why it’s important to act quickly if you are from a banned country.
❓ What should people do if they're from a country likely to be affected by the travel ban, like Pakistan or Venezuela ❓
If you are from a country that may be impacted by the travel ban, you should enter the U.S. as soon as possible. Make sure you have a valid visa. Delaying your entry could result in being stuck abroad or even losing the opportunity to enter the U.S. due to the travel ban.
❓ Should you wait until the details of the travel ban are clear before making travel plans ❓
No, given the uncertainty of the travel ban's implementation, it's safer to take precautions now and travel before the ban goes into effect. Waiting for official details could risk your ability to enter the U.S. at all.
❓ Can green card holders living in Pakistan come back to the U.S. ❓
Green card holders can usually come back to the U.S. after traveling, even from Pakistan. But, sometimes there are special rules or restrictions, like health checks or quarantine, because of things like COVID-19. It’s important to check the latest rules from the U.S. government to make sure everything is okay before traveling.
❓ Is it a good idea for green card holders or U.S. citizens to visit countries with ‘orange’ restrictions ❓
Visiting countries with ‘orange’ restrictions is not a good idea. These countries may have higher risks, like health problems or safety issues. It’s important to stay updated on travel warnings and think carefully about the risks before going to these countries.
❓ Is the Philippines part of the travel ban ❓
Right now, the Philippines is not on the U.S. travel ban list. However, this can change. Always check the latest information from the U.S. government. This will help you know if it is safe to travel to the Philippines. It will also ensure you can return to the U.S. without any issues.
❓ Where do you get information about the travel ban ❓
The best places to get information about the travel ban are:
- The U.S. Department of State
- The CDC
- The Department of Homeland Security
❓ Can green card holders travel outside the U.S. if they’re not on the ban list ❓
Yes, green card holders can travel outside the U.S. if their country is not on the ban list. However, there might still be new rules, like needing a test or quarantine. It’s important to check the rules before traveling. When returning to the U.S., make sure you have the right paperwork to avoid any problems.
❓ What about people who already have an interview appointment? Will they get the visa or not ❓
If you already have an interview for a visa, it depends on the rules at the time of your interview. Some people may still get their visa, but others might have to wait longer because of new travel rules. It’s a good idea to check with the U.S. embassy or consulate where your interview is to find out what will happen.
❓ Will there be an exemption for people with dual nationality traveling on a passport from a country not listed ❓
People with two nationalities (dual nationality) may be able to travel using a passport from a country that is not on the travel ban list. However, this depends on the specific rules at the time. It’s important to check the latest travel information or ask the U.S. embassy for advice if you're in this situation.
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