The recent travel ban arrives during a tense moment when immigration already feels uncertain. Each country on the list comes with its own pressures, histories, and human realities. This article follows 10 nations shaped differently by the policy and the broader circumstances surrounding it.
Afghanistan
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Following the National Guard shooting, the United States halted all new Afghan visas and froze asylum decisions. In Afghanistan, Taliban rule limits daily life, especially for women. More than 37,000 Afghans secured U.S. visas between mid-2024 and mid-2025. The new restrictions shift attention toward how long-term governance challenges complicate mobility for people trying to build stable futures.
Sudan
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In Sudan, the ongoing war has fractured communities and created one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. Over 30 million people require assistance, and more than 8,400 visas have been granted as of June, 2025. The freeze now shapes discussions among aid groups and regional observers watching how conflict, displacement, and border policies interact in real time.
Iran
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Public debate about Iran often shifts in response to global events, although educational and family travel continued steadily last year, with more than 23,000 visas being granted. Now, with the new rules in place, attention turns to how cultural links adapt under stricter limitations.
Haiti
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Daily life in Haiti reflects layers of pressure created by gang control, displacement, and repeated climate shocks. Over 13,000 Haitian travelers secured visas before the rules changed. As temporary protected status for roughly 500,000 Haitians approaches its planned end, policy analysts are beginning to assess how migration systems adjust to overlapping social and environmental crises.
Somalia
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For Somalia, the combination of al-Shabaab activity and serious food shortages shapes both internal life and external assessments. Washington points to unreliable identity systems as a key concern. More than 3,000 visas were issued before the halt. The updated stance influences how humanitarian groups coordinate medical travel and security partnerships linked to regional stability.
Myanmar
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Events in Myanmar since the 2021 military takeover have included artillery strikes, village destruction, and a deadly earthquake earlier this year. Before restrictions began, more than 15,000 visas were granted. The current pause prompts questions about how academic pathways and health-related travel adapt when conflict and policy changes collide.
Republic of the Congo
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Confusion arose when public remarks referenced “the Congo” without specifying which nation, although the focus here is on overstay rates. More than 2,100 visas were issued in the previous year. With an economy closely tied to oil, observers are now considering how the new limits will affect opportunities in science, energy, and trade programs.
Eritrea
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Discussions about Eritrea often center on political control, mandatory national service, and limited press access. U.S. agencies also cite incomplete identity cooperation and refusal to accept some deportees. More than 2,700 visas were issued last cycle. The updated restrictions add new context to long-running debates about governance and restricted civil liberties.
Libya
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To understand Libya’s current situation, one must consider the years of rival authorities, armed groups, and inconsistent passport systems. Oil disputes and abuses against migrants further complicate the situation. Roughly 4,000 visas were granted last year. The new rules influence how Libyan Americans handle property matters, legal documentation, and other cross-border responsibilities.
Chad
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In the Sahel, Chad sits at the intersection of drought, insurgent threats, and political transitions, which frames how U.S. officials interpret its travel data. They point to a high overstay rate, even with small absolute numbers. Before visas stopped, over 15,000 were issued. Business trainees and university-bound students saw their plans come to a halt overnight.