The Trump administration is weighing new travel restrictions that could impact citizens from 43 countries. A leaked memo outlines plans to impose full or partial visa suspensions, echoing earlier policies that faced global criticism.
The proposed restrictions would divide countries into three groups, with varying levels of visa limitations. Some nations could face complete bans, while others may receive a temporary deadline to address U.S. security concerns.
๐จ BREAKING: Trump Admin Drafts New Travel Ban Policy which includes 3 lists & 43 countries
๐ด Complete Bans: 11 Countries
๐ Sharp Visa Restrictions: 10 Countries
๐ก 60-Day Warning: 22 Countries to Fix Visa Issues#Trump #TravelBan #ImmigrationPolicy #USPolitics pic.twitter.com/CJ0CIswIBXโ The UnderLine (@TheUnderLineIN) March 15, 2025
Three Levels of Visa Suspensions
The first group of 10 countries would face full visa suspensions, cutting off access to all U.S. visas:
- Afghanistan
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Syria
- Libya
- Somalia
- Venezuela
- Yemen
- Sudan
A second group of five nations would face restrictions on specific visa types, including tourist, student, and immigrant visas:
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- South Sudan
The largest category includes 28 countries that could face a partial suspension of U.S. visa issuance unless their governments improve security cooperation within 60 days:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sierra Leone
- Tajikistan
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Zambia
National Security Cited as Key Reason
The memo follows an executive order issued on January 20, calling for stricter screening of foreign nationals. U.S. officials claim that countries failing to meet security standards pose a risk and require corrective action.
Critics argue the plan mirrors Trumpโs 2017 travel ban, which was widely condemned for targeting predominantly Muslim nations. That policy faced legal challenges but was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court.
Crackdown Extends to Immigration Enforcement
Beyond new travel restrictions, the administration is ramping up immigration enforcement. Efforts include deporting undocumented individuals tied to criminal groups, such as Venezuelaโs Tren de Aragua, El Salvadorโs MS-13, and Mexicoโs 18th Street gang.
Foreign students have also been affected. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, lost his visa after leading protests against Israelโs military actions in Gaza. Another student, Leqaa Kordia, was arrested for overstaying a visa. Authorities also revoked the visa of Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student, citing alleged support for Hamas.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the policy, stating that visa access is a privilege that should be revoked for individuals supporting extremist activities.
It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & study in the United States of America.
When you advocate for violence and terrorism that privilege should be revoked and you should not be in this country.
Iโm glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizersโฆ pic.twitter.com/jR2uVVKGCM
โ Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 14, 2025
Final Decision Still Pending
The proposed restrictions require approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials. Adjustments to the list remain possible before final implementation.
If enacted, the policy would represent one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement measures of Trumpโs second term. Global reaction is expected to be swift, as diplomatic relations and international travel face disruption.
Source: reuters.com
