WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration is contemplating an expansion of travel restrictions to include 36 additional countries, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters.
Immediate Impact
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning the entry of citizens from 12 nations, citing national security concerns. This potential expansion reflects ongoing efforts to fortify U.S. borders against perceived threats.
Key Details Emerge
The internal diplomatic cable, signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlights a dozen concerns about the countries in question. It calls for corrective measures to be taken within 60 days to avoid entry suspensions.
“The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days,” the cable stated.
The Washington Post first reported the cable, which outlines issues such as unreliable identity documents and questionable passport security. Some countries are also noted for their lack of cooperation in repatriating nationals ordered to be removed from the U.S.
Regional Implications
The countries potentially facing travel restrictions include:
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cote D’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Ethiopia
- Egypt
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Background Context
This development builds on a previous ban that came into effect earlier this month, targeting countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Yemen. The administration’s immigration crackdown has also seen the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of gang affiliations.
During his first term, Trump announced a controversial travel ban on seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 after several revisions.
Expert Analysis
A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the ongoing evaluation of policies to ensure the safety of Americans and compliance with U.S. laws by foreign nationals.
“The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the official stated.
What Comes Next
According to sources familiar with the administration’s plans, the affected countries have a 60-day window to address the concerns outlined by the State Department. Failure to comply could result in a full or partial travel ban.
The timing is particularly significant as the administration intensifies its focus on immigration policies in the lead-up to future electoral cycles.
Meanwhile, industry experts warn that such sweeping measures could have broader implications for international relations and global mobility.
The story continues to develop, and the world watches closely as the Trump administration navigates the complexities of national security and foreign policy.
