Trump Administration Considers Travel Ban on Dozens of Countries

In recent developments, the Trump administration is contemplating the implementation of extensive travel restrictions affecting citizens from numerous countries. Sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo obtained by Reuters reveal that a potential ban is under consideration.

The memo categorizes 41 countries into three groups. The initial group, including nations like Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, may face a complete visa suspension. The subsequent group, comprising countries such as Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, could encounter partial suspensions impacting various visas, with certain exceptions. The final group of 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, might undergo a partial suspension of US visa issuance if specific deficiencies are not addressed within a designated timeframe.

While these plans are outlined in the memo, a US official, speaking anonymously, has cautioned that the list is subject to modifications and awaits approval from key figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This deliberation echoes President Donald Trump’s earlier ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim nations during his initial term, a policy that underwent revisions before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

President Trump’s recent executive order mandates stringent security vetting for foreign individuals seeking entry into the US to identify potential national security threats. The order directs various cabinet members to compile a list of countries, by March 21, for potential travel suspensions due to deficient vetting and screening information.

This latest directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated at the onset of Trump’s second term. In a speech in October 2023, Trump hinted at his intentions to restrict individuals from regions like the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and any other areas posing security threats.

The State Department is yet to provide a formal response to Reuters’ request for comments on these proposed measures. The potential travel restrictions mark a significant development in US immigration policy, reflecting the administration’s ongoing efforts to address national security concerns through stringent vetting processes and travel limitations.