Countries Impacted by the Travel Ban

The proclamation includes two groups of countries:

• Full travel restrictions apply to citizens of: Afghanistan, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

• Partial restrictions apply to: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Couples involving a citizen of any of these countries should review their immigration plans carefully.

Exceptions to the Ban

There are several key exceptions:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

• Dual nationals traveling with a passport from a non-listed country

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including:

  • IR1 and CR1 (spouses)

  • IR2 and CR2 (children)

  • IR5 (parents)

The fiancé visa (K1) is not considered an immediate relative, nor is it specifically listed as an exempt category. This omission leaves some uncertainty. More guidance is expected in the months ahead.

New Evidence Requirements for Couples

Beyond country restrictions, the proclamation introduces a new evaluation standard. For affected cases, immigration officers will now apply a “clear and convincing evidence” standard instead of the usual “preponderance of the evidence”. This means:

• Officers will expect stronger, more detailed proof of genuine relationships.

• Couples may need to gather additional documentation.

• DNA testing may be required in some family-based cases, especially those involving children.

The new standard is more demanding and may increase the time and care required to prepare a successful application.

How Couples Can Prepare for These Changes

Couples should take proactive steps:

• Collect robust relationship evidence (shared finances, joint residence, personal correspondence).

• Stay informed about updates to the proclamation, which is set for review after 90 days and then every 180 days.

• Consider whether travel documents or timelines may need to be adjusted.

An Immigration Attorney Makes a Difference

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can already be complex—and changes like this travel ban add another layer of difficulty. Working with a knowledgeable immigration attorney is one of the best ways to ensure your application meets the current standards. We can help identify which exemptions may apply to your case, guide you in building strong relationship evidence, and stay ahead of policy updates. For couples, having the right support can make all the difference in keeping your case on track and your future plans moving forward.

Reach out today and take one step closer to building your future—together.