Trump’s New Travel Ban Includes Myanmar: What Myanmar Parents Should Know
In June 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban that includes Myanmar (Burma). This has caused concern among many Myanmar families whose children are studying or planning to study in the United States.
We are writing this blog post to help parents understand what is happening, and to explain what history shows about how long this might last, and who is affected.
What Happened the Last Time Trump Introduced a Travel Ban?
In 2017, Trump introduced a similar travel ban. Here’s a short timeline of what happened:
January 2017 – First Travel Ban (Executive Order 13769)
Banned people from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days
Blocked refugee resettlement
Stopped by U.S. courts within one week
March 2017 – Second Travel Ban (Executive Order 13780)
Removed Iraq, clarified rules
Blocked again by judges
September 2017 – Third Travel Ban (Proclamation 9645)
Added Venezuela and North Korea
Eventually went to the Supreme Court, which allowed it to go into effect
January 2020 – Expanded Travel Ban (Proclamation 9983)
Added more countries (still not Myanmar at the time)
Remained in place until President Biden canceled it in 2021
So even though the courts first blocked the bans, the final version was approved by the Supreme Court and stayed in place for the rest of Trump’s presidency.
What’s Happening Now in 2025?
In June 2025, Trump announced a new version of the travel ban, and Myanmar is now included. This means some Myanmar citizens will not be allowed to get new U.S. visas.
However, not everyone is affected. There are important exceptions.
Who Is Not Affected by the Ban?
According to the official text of the new ban:
“The suspensions… shall apply only to foreign nationals… who (i) are outside the U.S. on the effective date… and (ii) do not have a valid visa on that date.”
— U.S. Presidential Proclamation, Section 4
This means:
If your child already has a valid U.S. visa, they are NOT affected. They can still enter the United States.
If your child is already in the U.S., this ban does not affect them.
If your child is in Myanmar for summer break but has a valid visa, they should return to the U.S. as soon as possible, before the ban is expanded or interpreted more strictly.
Who Is Affected?
Students who have visa appointments in the coming weeks are at high risk of being rejected under the new policy.
Students who do not yet have a visa, or who are still waiting for visa approval, are also affected.
Refugee applications are likely paused or blocked under this order, as with past bans.
Can This Be Reversed?
Yes. In 2017, the first travel ban was blocked in just one week by U.S. judges. Although later versions were allowed by the Supreme Court, the courts can still stop or change parts of this new ban.
Lawyers, universities, and civil rights groups are already preparing to challenge the ban in court. That means it could be delayed, paused, or modified, but it might also take weeks or months for any changes to happen.
What Can Parents Do Right Now?
Don’t panic. If your child already has a visa, they are safe.
If your child is in Myanmar with a valid visa, try to help them return to the U.S. quickly.
If your child has a visa appointment coming up, prepare for delays or consider alternative study options (e.g., in Canada, the UK, or Australia). Success Admissions is teaming up with our sister company, Strive Forward, to offer you free application services to 500+ universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and more that are partnered with us.
Final Words
The U.S. system includes checks and balances, courts, lawyers, and civil rights groups can challenge unfair actions, just like they did in 2017.
While this new travel ban is worrying, remember: it does not apply to students who already have valid visas, and it may still be challenged or changed.
If you’re unsure what to do next, contact the Success Admissions Center or Strive Forward. We’re here to help your family make informed decisions.
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