The United States government is considering a broader travel ban under President Donald Trump. A confidential US State Department memo reveals the plan could affect 36 additional countries, according to Anadolu Agency.
The Washington Post obtained the memo, which was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Dated Saturday, it gives countries 60 days to meet new US criteria. If not, they could face full or partial visa bans.
Countries facing the proposed travel ban and reasons for inclusion
The list includes 25 African countries, among them Egypt, Ethiopia, and Djibouti—longstanding US partners. Other nations named are Syria, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, and Vanuatu. Countries from Central Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific are also included.
The memo cites several concerns. These include poor identity documentation, fraud in civil records, and high visa overstay rates. Some countries also offer citizenship by investment without residency. Others are flagged for alleged antisemitic or anti-American activity within the US.
Governments can avoid sanctions by submitting an action plan by Wednesday, 8 a.m. (1200 GMT). They may also agree to accept deported nationals or sign “safe third country” deals.
Background and reactions
This move follows a 4 June presidential proclamation. That order fully restricted travel from 13 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia. It also applied partial restrictions to seven others.
If approved, the new list would mark a major increase in US immigration controls.
The State Department has not commented. The White House has also stayed silent. However, criticism from Democrats and civil rights groups came quickly. Many say the policy unfairly targets African and Caribbean nations.
During his presidency, Joe Biden had cancelled Trump’s original travel bans. President Trump has promised to restore and expand them if re-elected.
On Inauguration Day this year, the administration ordered federal agencies to review screening procedures in foreign countries. This review helped shape the latest proposal.
Trump has said the travel ban will return “bigger than before”.
