US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new travel ban affecting citizens from 19 countries came into effect today, June 9. Now in his second term, Trump has resurrected and expanded one of his most controversial policies from his first presidency – a move likely to have consequences far beyond the United States, including in Canada.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- A full list of countries affected by the new U.S. travel ban
- Key exemptions from the restrictions
- How the ban could increase migration to Canada
- Implications for Canadian immigration and border policy
- International and Canadian reactions to the ban
The policy blocks entry into the U.S. for citizens of 12 countries and imposes strict visa restrictions on nationals of seven others.
Countries Affected by the Ban
The full ban applies to citizens of:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additional visa restrictions apply to people from:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The Trump administration says the policy is based on national security concerns, citing terrorism risks, visa overstays, and countries with “deficient” screening systems.
How Canada Could Be Affected
Rise in Asylum Claims at the Canadian Border
During Trump’s first term, similar bans led to a surge in asylum seekers crossing into Canada from the United States. With limited options for legal entry into the U.S., individuals from banned countries may once again turn to Canada in greater numbers – including through irregular crossings. This could increase pressure on Canada’s refugee processing system.
Shift in Immigration Preferences
Canada could see higher demand from skilled workers, students, and families from the affected countries. While the U.S. has closed off these paths, Canada’s immigration system – including Express Entry and family reunification programs – remains open regardless of nationality. As a result, Canada may become a more attractive destination for those excluded by U.S. policy.
Increased Humanitarian Responsibility
Canada has long presented itself as a leader in humanitarian migration. With refugee and aid groups already criticising the U.S. ban, Ottawa may face renewed calls to expand resettlement spaces for those displaced by the policy – especially for vulnerable populations such as Afghans, Haitians, and Eritreans.
Diplomatic Tensions and Border Coordination
The travel ban may further strain U.S.–Canada relations, particularly if cross-border refugee flows increase. Canada could face renewed debate over the Safe Third Country Agreement, which limits asylum claims at official ports of entry. Legal challenges to the agreement may resurface as they did during Trump’s first term.
Who Is Exempt?
Despite the broad scope of the ban, certain groups are exempt:
- U.S. green card holders and dual citizens
- Athletes attending major international events
- Some Afghans with special immigrant visas
- Religious or ethnic minorities fleeing persecution
- Foreign nationals with U.S. family sponsorship
- Diplomats, UN officials, and NATO representatives
- Children adopted by U.S. citizens
- Previously admitted refugees
Even with these exceptions, many will face delays or outright exclusion, potentially redirecting migration interest northward.
Political and Public Reaction
The policy has triggered strong responses around the world. Governments in Venezuela and Chad condemned the ban, and refugee organisations have called it discriminatory and unjustified. In the U.S., the Council on American-Islamic Relations called it “ideologically motivated,” while the National Immigration Law Center described it as “deeply racialised.”
While the Trump administration defends the policy as a necessary tool for public safety, critics argue it unfairly targets countries with predominantly Black, Muslim, or developing-world populations.
A Repeat of 2017 – or Worse?
Trump’s 2017 travel ban caused chaos at airports and led to legal battles that lasted years. Though this version is more detailed and includes more exemptions, its impact could be even wider due to the increased number of countries affected and heightened enforcement powers in Trump’s second term.
Canada’s policymakers, legal advocates, and communities will be watching closely to see how the effects unfold – and how they should respond.
FAQ
When does Trump’s new travel ban take effect?
The ban takes effect on June 10, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. It applies to travellers from 19 countries and does not currently have an end date.
How could this affect refugee claims in Canada?
As legal entry into the U.S. becomes more difficult, Canada may see a rise in asylum seekers from banned countries, particularly at irregular border crossings.
Will this change who can immigrate to Canada?
Canada’s immigration system remains open to all nationalities. However, increased interest from those affected by the U.S. ban could impact processing volumes in some streams.
Are there any exceptions to the U.S. travel ban?
Yes. Exemptions apply to green card holders, dual citizens, diplomats, certain refugees, and others with strong ties to the U.S., such as adopted children or sponsored family.
What is the Safe Third Country Agreement, and could it be affected?
The agreement limits asylum claims at Canada–U.S. border crossings. If more people try to enter Canada from the U.S., the agreement could face renewed legal and political challenges.
