President Trump’s new immigration proclamation bans nearly all legal immigration from about 40 countries—affecting approximately 400,000 legal immigrants over three years. Unlike previous bans, this order includes no categorical exemption for spouses, minor children, or parents of U.S. citizens.

David Bier, Cato Institute’s Director of Immigration Studies and The Selz Foundation Chair in Immigration Policy, has published a new analysis showing the ban affects one in five legal immigrants and will bar 140,000 spouses, fiancés, and minor children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents from entering the country. The proclamation also violates promises Trump made to FIFA and the IOC when securing rights to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Bier’s research demonstrates that nationals from these countries account for just 0.3 percent of foreign-born terrorist deaths over the past 50 years. He argues existing vetting processes already work—every applicant must prove eligibility or face denial.

If you’d like to speak with Bier, please contact Madison: mmiller@​cato.​org.