Trump Administration Considers Expanding Travel Ban to 43 Countries
TL/DR –
The Trump administration is considering a new travel ban to the United States, potentially targeting citizens from 43 countries, which is a broader restriction compared to President Trump’s first-term travel ban. The draft list consists of a “red” list of 11 countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea, whose citizens would be completely barred from entering the U.S., and an “orange” list of 10 countries, including Russia, Belarus, and Haiti, where travel would be restricted but not entirely cut off. The draft proposal has been developed by diplomatic and security officials and is subject to changes as it is reviewed by intelligence agencies, embassies, and regional bureaus of the State Department.
Trump Administration Contemplates New Travel Ban
The Trump administration is mulling over imposing a new travel ban on citizens from up to 43 countries, according to inside sources. If implemented, the ban would surpass previous restrictions from Trump’s initial term.
A preliminary list, created by diplomatic and security officials, suggests an outright travel ban for 11 countries. The nations under consideration are Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
The list, however, is not final. Officials from State Department, intelligence agencies, and other departments are reviewing the draft and providing feedback on the included countries.
Additionally, the draft proposal includes a ‘second-tier’ list of 10 countries where some travel restrictions would apply. The countries falling under this ‘orange’ list are Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
Upon assuming office, Trump issued an executive order requiring identification of countries with deficient vetting and screening information. A report based on this directive is due next week.
It is still unclear what the new ban would entail for existing visa and green card holders. This uncertainty also extends to the recent controversy surrounding the cancellation of a Syrian-born former student’s green card.
The draft also proposes a ‘yellow’ list of 22 countries, given 60 days to address identified deficiencies or face travel restrictions. These include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, and others.
Past attempts at enforcing travel bans have faced legal challenges. However, the Supreme Court permitted a revised ban from eight countries in Trump’s first term. This ban was later revoked by current president, Joseph R. Biden Jr.
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