A recent report highlights the significant economic and humanitarian impacts of the Trump administration’s expanded travel ban, which affects immigration from 19 countries.
WASHINGTON, DC — A new report released today by the American Immigration Council outlines the extensive economic and humanitarian consequences of the Trump administration’s travel ban, implemented in June 2025. This ban restricts immigration from 19 countries, and its effects are already being felt across various sectors.
In 2022, nearly 300,000 individuals from these affected countries entered the United States, contributing significantly to the economy by filling essential jobs and generating approximately $715.6 million in tax revenue.
“Those affected by this travel ban are students, workers, and family members who pay taxes, support local economies, and fill jobs in industries facing massive shortages. We’re throwing all of that away, to the detriment of our communities and the U.S. economy,” stated Nan Wu, research director of the American Immigration Council.
According to data from 2023, of the 300,000 individuals impacted by the travel ban, 82 percent were employed, particularly in sectors already grappling with labor shortages, such as hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. The manufacturing sector alone is projected to face a shortfall of 1.9 million workers by 2033.
“The United States absolutely needs strong screening procedures to protect national security, but this travel ban isn’t how you do that. The Trump administration is trying to sell this policy as a security measure, but when you dig into the justifications, they don’t add up,” remarked Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council. “Many of the targeted countries had fewer than 500 visa overstays last year. This isn’t about keeping America safe; it’s about keeping certain people out.”
While the original travel ban enacted in 2017 sparked immediate and widespread public backlash, the 2025 iteration has seen a more subdued response. This is largely attributed to its gradual implementation and the introduction of expanded exemptions. However, the report emphasizes that the damage caused by this version of the ban is no less severe.
“This quieter version of the ban is deeply harmful,” Robbins added. “It separates families, blocks international talent, and hurts communities across the country. The absence of airport protests doesn’t mean the harm isn’t real; it’s just happening more quietly and more bureaucratically.”
Reports indicate that the administration is contemplating the addition of 36 more countries to the travel ban. Should this occur, tens of thousands more individuals from those nations could be prohibited from entering the United States, further exacerbating the economic, social, and diplomatic fallout.
The countries currently affected by the travel ban include:
All travel banned:
Afghanistan
Burma
Chad
Republic of Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
Visas sharply restricted:
Venezuela
Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
The implications of this travel ban extend beyond individual hardship; they pose a significant threat to the U.S. economy and its global standing. As the situation evolves, the American Immigration Council continues to advocate for policies that promote inclusivity and economic growth.
Source: Original article