Donald Trump’s return to power in 2025 has reignited one of his most controversial agendas: immigration reform. His administration is implementing new restrictions and reviving old ones, especially targeting Asian countries. From visa denials and deportations to tightened background checks, many nations are feeling the squeeze. Here’s a detailed look at the 10 Asian countries most impacted by Trump’s hardline immigration stance.
1. Philippines – From Trusted Partner to Targeted Nation
The Philippines has long been a close U.S. ally, with deep-rooted military, economic, and cultural ties. But despite this history, Filipinos are now facing some of the toughest immigration restrictions in 2025.
Visa rejection rates have skyrocketed, especially for family-based petitions—a traditional route for Filipino immigration. Trump’s policies have stalled thousands of reunification cases, leaving families in limbo.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports high overstay rates among Filipino tourists and workers. This has led to stricter background checks, longer wait times, and increased deportations.
Even Filipino nurses and caregivers—once in high demand—are now facing tighter labor regulations and reduced work visa opportunities. These changes are disrupting livelihoods and weakening one of the most historically stable migration channels in Asia.
2. Bangladesh – Cracking Down on a Growing Migrant Stream
Bangladesh has seen a surge in immigration restrictions under Trump’s administration, driven by concerns over illegal migration and economic strain.
According to Homeland Security data, Bangladeshi nationals have among the highest rates of undocumented entry and visa overstays. This has triggered a crackdown on both new applicants and those already in the U.S.
Work and student visa approvals have dropped sharply, while deportations of undocumented Bangladeshis have increased. The situation has discouraged many from applying, even when eligible.
With a growing population and economic hardships at home, many Bangladeshis look abroad for opportunity—but the U.S. is becoming an increasingly unreachable destination.
3. Indonesia – Economic Powerhouse Facing Unexpected Barriers
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is facing growing immigration hurdles despite being a peaceful and stable nation.
One major reason is the high rate of visa overstays, particularly among tourist and business travelers. Trump’s administration has labeled Indonesia as “high-risk” in this regard, leading to tighter vetting and more denials.
In 2025, reports from the Jakarta Post revealed that visa rejection rates for Indonesians have doubled since Trump’s return to office.
Students and business professionals, in particular, are finding it harder to secure visas. With growing trade tensions and stricter U.S. visa policies, Indonesians are increasingly turning to other countries for study and employment.
4. Myanmar – Human Rights Concerns Prompt Isolation
Myanmar has long struggled with internal ethnic conflict and political instability, and the Trump administration has used these issues to justify harsh immigration restrictions.
The ongoing Rohingya crisis has drawn international condemnation, and under Trump, it has become a central reason for tightening U.S. visa policies.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, visa approvals for Myanmar nationals have dropped over 60% in the past year.
Students, workers, and even humanitarian applicants are facing higher barriers. With the U.S. emphasizing human rights in immigration vetting, Myanmar’s situation has become one of the most difficult in Southeast Asia.
5. North Korea – Total Isolation Continues
North Korea has been under a complete immigration ban since 2017, and Trump’s 2025 administration has only reinforced that stance.
National security concerns dominate policy toward North Korea, with nearly all visa categories—tourist, work, student, and even humanitarian—completely shut down.
Even defectors seeking asylum in the U.S. are being redirected to third countries. Amnesty International reports that asylum pathways for North Koreans in the U.S. have effectively vanished.
This level of isolation makes North Korea the most restricted nation in Asia when it comes to U.S. immigration.
6. Syria – War-Torn and Shut Out
Syria’s civil war has created one of the world’s largest refugee crises, but the Trump administration has largely closed the door.
Refugee admissions from Syria have fallen by more than 90%, and family reunification visas are nearly impossible to secure.
Applicants face extended wait times, excessive background checks, and high rejection rates—even when sponsored by U.S. relatives.
Despite Syria’s humanitarian emergency, Trump’s policy labels Syrians as high-risk, citing terrorism concerns. The result: Syrian families are stuck in limbo, and the U.S. is no longer a realistic option for safety or asylum.
7. Afghanistan – Abandoned After Alliance
Afghanistan is a special case—many of its migrants are former allies of the U.S. military: interpreters, journalists, and aid workers.
However, under Trump’s 2025 policy revival, special visa programs have been severely cut or halted.
Reports from Reuters show that thousands of Afghan applicants, once eligible under humanitarian or military assistance categories, have had their cases suspended or denied.
The Afghan community in the U.S. also faces increased surveillance, longer wait times, and administrative bottlenecks. These restrictions come despite many Afghans risking their lives to support U.S. forces during the two-decade war.
8. Pakistan – Trusted Ally Facing Distrust
Despite being a key strategic partner, Pakistan has seen heightened visa scrutiny under Trump.
Citing terrorism risks and security threats, the administration has reduced student, work, and visitor visa approvals for Pakistani nationals.
In 2025, visa approval rates dropped by over 40%, and many applicants are now subject to additional background checks and delays.
Even students and professionals with solid credentials are being denied entry, making the U.S. a less attractive destination for Pakistan’s educated class.
9. Iran – Political Tensions Turn Personal
Iran has faced one of the strictest immigration crackdowns, largely due to ongoing political hostilities with the U.S.
Trump’s expanded travel ban has effectively shut down all immigration avenues for Iranians—including work, study, and family reunification visas.
According to CNN, visa approvals for Iranians have dropped over 50%, even for applicants with legal sponsors or green card eligibility.
While the Iranian-American community advocates for fairer policies, tensions between the two governments keep immigration options frozen.
10. China – From Rivalry to Restriction
Trump’s policies toward China have been shaped by economic rivalry, accusations of espionage, and national security fears.
The biggest impact has been on Chinese students and researchers, especially in fields like science, technology, and engineering.
Visa bans and reduced quotas have led to a 40% drop in Chinese visa issuances, according to Forbes.
Meanwhile, Chinese business professionals face intense scrutiny, with Trump’s administration cracking down on foreign investment and real estate purchases.
The result is a significant decline in Chinese migration to the U.S., despite decades of cultural and educational exchange.
Conclusion: A Region in Retreat
Trump’s 2025 immigration policies have redefined how the U.S. engages with Asia—not just politically, but personally. From bans and denials to delays and deportations, these 10 countries represent the frontlines of America’s evolving immigration stance.
While some argue these policies are necessary for national security, others see them as damaging to diplomacy, diversity, and opportunity.
As long as these restrictions remain, millions of individuals—from students to skilled professionals—will have to seek opportunity elsewhere.