The Trump administration is reportedly eyeing a significant expansion of the U.S. travel ban, considering adding an additional 36 countries to its already extensive list. This information was revealed in an internal State Department cable obtained by The Washington Post. According to this document, the U.S. Department of State has identified these countries of concern, which may face full or partial entry suspensions if they do not meet specific benchmarks within a 60-day timeframe.
The countries under scrutiny are varied in geography, including over two dozen African nations along with three in Central and Southeast Asia, four Caribbean nations, and three South Pacific islands. The state department’s concerns focus on issues such as the reliability of passports, incidents of citizens overstaying their U.S. visas, and past acts of terrorism committed in the U.S. by nationals from these nations, as reported by Reuters.
What is the U.S. Travel Ban?
The U.S. travel ban, officially enacted on June 9, affects citizens from 12 specific countries, as outlined in a proclamation signed by President Trump on June 4. The countries under full travel restrictions include Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, the ban partially restricts entries from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
This travel policy is comprehensive, affecting both immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Exceptions are made for certain groups, including lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, specific visa categories, and individuals whose entry aligns with U.S. national interests. The White House made the announcement via its official channels, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to ensure national safety. “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen,” President Trump stated during the announcement.
Who is Impacted?
The American Immigration Council (AIC) highlights that the initial ban affects over 475 million people spread across 19 countries. The restrictions fully halt the issuance of both immigrant and non-immigrant visas for nationals from the aforementioned 12 countries, while also banning certain visa types for a smaller group of nations, including Burundi and Cuba.
However, it’s essential to note who is exempt from these restrictions. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not affected, nor are Afghan Special Immigrant Visa beneficiaries or individuals who qualify for a national interest waiver. Importantly, those who held valid visas prior to June 9, 2025, are also not subject to these new restrictions, as there is a clear stipulation that visas cannot be revoked retroactively.
Why Now?
The timing of this proposed travel ban expansion comes in response to U.S. officials’ ongoing concerns about “dangerous foreign actors.” The White House cited recent terrorist activities, including an incident in Colorado linked to foreign nationals who were “not properly vetted.” This assertion underscores a critical narrative that the administration is pushing: the need for heightened security and scrutiny regarding individuals entering the United States.
The comprehensive approach underscores how national security is a priority for the current administration, invoking discussions about the balance between maintaining borders and fulfilling the U.S.’s international responsibilities. The implications of increasing the travel ban could have far-reaching impacts, not only on foreign relations but also on the lives of millions of individuals who wish to enter the U.S.
