The United States is preparing to expand its travel ban to more than 30 countries, marking one of the most sweeping escalations of immigration and security restrictions under President Donald Trump. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the move in a televised interview, saying the administration is evaluating “over 30” nations for inclusion on the expanded list Jagonews24 Daily Times ProPakistani U.S. News & World Report The Hill.
The move comes days after a deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., allegedly carried out by an Afghan national previously admitted to the US, an incident that has intensified political pressure on the administration to tighten border controls Daily Times.
Countries already under the ban (19 countries)
- Full ban (no immigrant or non-immigrant visas) — 12 countries: Afghanistan; Myanmar (Burma); Chad; Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Libya; Somalia; Sudan; Yemen. Al Jazeera+2The Guardian+2
- Partial restrictions — 7 countries: Burundi; Cuba; Laos; Sierra Leone; Togo; Turkmenistan; Venezuela. Al Jazeera+2The Guardian+2
⚠️ Proposed expansion / under consideration
A draft internal memo reportedly includes up to 36 additional “countries of concern” that may face partial or full restrictions, depending on compliance with vetting, passport security, and cooperation standards. Traveling Lifestyle+2The Times of India+2
Some of the countries mentioned in that memo include (but may not all be included in the final ban) — Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Bhutan; Burkina Faso; Cabo Verde (Cape Verde); Cambodia; Cameroon; Côte d’Ivoire; Democratic Republic of Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Egypt; Ethiopia; Gabon; The Gambia; Ghana; Kyrgyzstan; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; São Tomé and Príncipe; Senegal; South Sudan; Syria; Tanzania; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uganda; Vanuatu; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
Human‑rights groups and immigration advocates have criticised the policy as discriminatory and ineffective, while supporters argue it is necessary to protect national security. The Department of Homeland Security says further announcements will be made once the review process is complete.
