The Trump administration is reportedly considering imposing extensive travel restrictions on citizens from multiple countries as part of a new immigration ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo reviewed by Reuters.
The memo categorizes 41 countries into three groups based on the severity of proposed restrictions.
Complete Visa Suspension for 10 Countries
The first group consists of 10 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, where visa issuance would be entirely suspended.
Partial Visa Restrictions for Five Nations
In the second group, five countries—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—would face partial visa restrictions. These would apply to tourist, student, and immigrant visas, with some exceptions.
26 Countries Given a 60-Day Compliance Deadline
The third group includes 26 countries, such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. According to the memo, these nations could also face visa restrictions if their governments fail to improve screening and security measures within 60 days.
Uncertainty Over Final List
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, cautioned that the list is subject to change and has not yet been approved by the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Ban Resembles 2018 Travel Restrictions
The proposal echoes Trump’s controversial first-term travel ban, which initially targeted seven majority-Muslim countries. After undergoing multiple legal challenges and revisions, the policy was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Executive Order Mandates Stricter Vetting
On January 20, President Trump signed an executive order requiring stricter security screening for foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. The directive, aimed at identifying potential national security threats, instructs key cabinet members to submit a list by March 21 recommending countries for full or partial travel suspensions due to inadequate vetting and screening measures.
Part of Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown
This latest move is part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which he outlined in an October 2023 speech. At that time, he pledged to restrict travel from regions including Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and “anywhere else that threatens our security.”
As the administration finalizes its decisions, the proposed restrictions are expected to fuel further debate over U.S. immigration policies.
