Trump administration proposes expanded travel restrictions affecting 43 countries

As reported by the New York Times, the Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions affecting citizens from up to 43 countries, according to an internal memo reported by Reuters. This proposal marks a significant expansion from previous measures, aiming to enhance national security through intensified vetting processes.​

The draft proposal divides the affected countries into three categories:​

• Full visa suspensions (Red List): Citizens from eleven countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, would be entirely barred from entering the United States. ​
• Partial visa suspensions (Orange List): Ten countries, such as Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, would face restrictions on specific visa types, potentially allowing entry for affluent business travelers but limiting immigrant or tourist visas. ​
• Conditional measures (Yellow List): An additional twenty-two countries, including Angola, Cambodia, and Zimbabwe, would have sixty days to address identified security deficiencies or face potential travel restrictions. ​

The administration emphasizes the need for rigorous vetting to prevent individuals from regions with inadequate security protocols from entering the United States. ​ The proposed measures are awaiting approval from key administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Critics argue that such sweeping bans could strain diplomatic relations and face legal challenges, similar to those encountered during President Trump's first term. The administration maintains that these measures are necessary to safeguard national interests. ​

The administration is expected to finalize the list and officially announce the new travel restrictions in the coming weeks. Affected countries will have the opportunity to address the cited security concerns to potentially avoid inclusion in the final order. ​