USCIS has halted processing of most immigration applications for nationals of 19 countries, creating potential hiring and compliance challenges for employers. The June 2025 travel ban has been expanded to pause H-1Bs, green card applications, and naturalization applications for individuals who are citizens of or were born in one of these countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar/Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The expanded travel ban also triggers re-review of previously approved cases for those who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021, and permits USCIS to extend review to those who entered before that date.
Employers likely will face challenges in recruiting talent from these countries. They may need to delay or withdraw pending offers, and employees from affected nations may be unable to renew visas or complete green card steps. Employers should expect increased USCIS scrutiny, more Requests for Evidence, and possible work interruptions.
Members of the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC), our affiliated nonprofit membership association, can read more here.