Dear Brown International Students and Scholars,

On June 4, 2025, the White House published a new U.S. Presidential Proclamation, announcing travel bans and restrictions affecting nationals from several countries set to take effect on June 9, 2025. We understand that the impact of the proclamation on our international community at Brown prompts deep concerns. This proclamation affects specific Brown immigrant and nonimmigrant students and employees, as well as their families and dependents. Because this federal action may have direct implications for you and your status, we are providing a clear summary of the new regulations and ensuring you are aware of the support resources available to you.  

Summary of Regulatory Changes: The U.S. Presidential Proclamation introduces two categories of entry restrictions (with exceptions noted later in this letter):

• Full Ban Countries: Entry into the United States is suspended for both immigrant and nonimmigrant nationals from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

• Partial Ban Countries: Entry into the United States is suspended for immigrants and nonimmigrant nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. While other nonimmigrant categories (like H-1B and O-1 workers) are not included in the "partial ban," consular officers have been directed to reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visas for foreign nationals from these "partial ban" countries as needed.

Important Note: Both of these ban provisions apply to nationals of the subject country who are outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of June 9, 2025. 

Given these restrictions and the evolving federal policy landscape around nationals of countries beyond the U.S., we continue to encourage all international students and scholars to reconsider both personal and professional non-essential international travel.

Key Exceptions to the Ban: The federal proclamation outlines several important exceptions. Individuals falling into these categories will likely not be impacted by the travel ban and restrictions:

• Individuals who are inside the United States on June 9, 2025

• Individuals who are outside the United States on June 9, 2025, but have a visa that is valid as of June 9, 2025

• Individuals possessing any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before June 9, 2025 (these will not be revoked, pursuant to this proclamation)

• Dual nationals who hold a passport from one of the designated countries and another country not on the list

• U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who hold a passport from one of the designated countries

• Immediate family members of U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents from the countries designated under the ban who are on family immigrant visas

• Asylees and refugees on special immigrant visas (e.g., Afghan Special Immigrant Visas; Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. Government employees; and immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran)

• Individuals possessing diplomatic and international organization visas

• Athletes participating in major sporting events, such as the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympics, as determined by the U.S. Secretary of State.

Support

If you have questions related to these federal changes, please contact Brown’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) at oisss@brown.edu. Beyond OISSS, the University offers a range of resources for members of the Brown community for those who may need additional care and support. Please visit the Support Resources page on the Division of Campus Life website to learn more about the resources available to you.  

We understand that federal policy changes are experienced by individuals and families in deep and personal ways, and such changes can cause uncertainty even among those who are not directly affected. We are committed to providing you with the necessary information and support. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Office of Global Engagement