The Trump administration is preparing to expand its travel ban to include citizens of 36 more countries, according to a memo shared with US agencies. The plan is part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls and address security gaps in international travel. Officials believe some countries do not meet the US standards for identity verification and information sharing.
The list includes countries that the US says lack proper systems for checking passports, monitoring criminal activity, or sharing security data. As per the memo, these countries will be given a 60-day grace period to meet the new immigration and security requirements. If they fail to improve their procedures, their citizens may face restrictions or denial of entry into the United States.
Nations named in the list are from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, including Angola, Cambodia, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The list is part of a confidential report reviewed by the US State Department and Homeland Security. Pakistan’s name is not on this list, and officials from both countries have confirmed that no travel ban on Pakistan is being considered at this time.
This move follows earlier decisions by the Trump administration to ban travelers from Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and other countries, mostly Muslim-majority nations. At the time, these policies faced legal challenges and global criticism for being discriminatory. However, the US government has defended them as necessary steps to prevent terrorism and unlawful entry.
In summary, while the plan is still under review, the 60-day deadline gives the listed countries a chance to act. If they meet US demands, the ban could be avoided. Otherwise, their citizens may find it harder to secure US visas or enter the country, possibly affecting students, tourists, and families alike.