Washington: The Trump administration is considering imposing extensive travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries. The proposed ban, if enacted, would mark a significant change in US immigration policies.
According to the memo, the first category includes 10 nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea. Citizens from these countries would face a complete suspension of US visa issuance, effectively barring their entry into the country.
The second category lists five countries- Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, that would face partial visa suspensions. These restrictions would target tourists, student, and certain immigrant visas, though some exceptions may apply.
A third group of 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, would be subject to potential visa issuance suspensions. The memo states that these restrictions would take effect if their respective governments fail to address security and vetting deficiencies within 60 days.
The proposed travel restrictions mirror Trump’s controversial travel bans from his first term, which initially targeted seven Muslim-majority countries and was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018 after several revisions.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order mandating enhanced security screening for all foreign nationals seeking entry into the US. The directive requires key cabinet members to submit a list of countries by March 21 where travel should be suspended due to inadequate vetting measures.
The move aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which he has prioritized since the beginning of his second term. During a speech in October 2023, he hinted at expanding restrictions to travelers from Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other regions deemed as security risks.
