Trump Administration Considers Expanding Travel Restrictions

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.

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 Trumpโ€™s 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 Venezuelaโ€™s Tren de Aragua, El Salvadorโ€™s MS-13, and Mexicoโ€™s 18th Street gang.

Foreign students have also been affected. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, lost his visa after leading protests against Israelโ€™s 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.

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 Trumpโ€™s second term. Global reaction is expected to be swift, as diplomatic relations and international travel face disruption.

Source: reuters.com

Miloลก Nikolovski
I am Milos Nikolovski, a journalist with an insatiable curiosity for global affairs, cultural intersections, and the stories that define our time. My work spans continents, covering the pulse of international relations, the evolving dynamics between the United States and Brazil, the complexities of politics, and the deeper narratives found in travel, food, and everyday life. Every story I tell comes from direct experience, firsthand conversations, and an unfiltered approach to truth. I do not chase sensationalism or empty headlines. My focus remains on substanceโ€”on the issues that shape nations, the policies that drive decisions, and the cultural shifts that reveal where societies are headed. Whether dissecting diplomatic strategies, unraveling the economic forces linking Brazil and the United States, or walking through the markets of Sรฃo Paulo to uncover the hidden layers of a cityโ€™s identity, I believe in journalism that informs and challenges perspectives. Travel plays a crucial role in my work, not as an escape but as a means to engage with the world. The places I visit are not vacation spots; they are living, breathing spaces filled with voices, struggles, and triumphs. Whether exploring the political landscapes of Latin America, tracing historical legacies in Europe, or uncovering the latest food revolution in an unexpected corner of the world, my mission remains the sameโ€”to document, to report, and to bring forward stories that matter. Beyond borders and breaking news, my work is guided by core values: honesty, independence, and accessibility. Journalism must be fearless, unfiltered, and unbound by external pressures. I write for those who seek more than surface-level narratives, for those who value depth over distraction, and for those who refuse to settle for anything less than the full picture.