US To Impose Travel Restrictions On 36 Countries: Check List Here

The US administration under President Donald Trump is contemplating a significant expansion of its travel restrictions. An internal State Department cable, viewed by Reuters, suggests that citizens from 36 additional countries might face entry bans into the United States. This follows a recent proclamation by Trump, which already barred citizens from 12 nations to safeguard against "foreign terrorists" and other threats.

Earlier this month, Trump initiated an immigration crackdown at the start of his second term. This included deporting hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of gang affiliations to El Salvador and restricting some foreign students' enrollment in U.S. universities. The new directive aligns with these broader immigration policies.

Potential Expansion of Travel Ban

The State Department's internal cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlined concerns about the countries in question. It called for corrective measures within 60 days to avoid full or partial entry suspensions. The Washington Post first reported on this cable.

The cable highlighted issues such as unreliable identity documents and questionable passport security in some countries. Additionally, certain nations were not cooperating in removing their nationals ordered to leave the U.S., while others had citizens overstaying their visas.

Concerns Raised by the State Department

Some nationals from these countries have been involved in terrorism or anti-American activities within the U.S., according to the cable. However, it noted that not all concerns applied to every listed country.

A senior State Department official stated, "We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws." The official emphasized the department's commitment to national security through stringent visa processes.

Here Is A List Of Countries at Risk of Entry Suspension

If these nations do not address concerns within 60 days, they could face entry bans:

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Burkina Faso
• Cabo Verde
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cote D'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Ethiopia
• Egypt
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Kyrgyzstan
• Liberia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Senegal
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu Zambia
• and Zimbabwe

This would significantly expand the current ban affecting Afghanistan Myanmar Chad Congo Republic Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen. Entry from Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela has also been partially restricted.

Background on Previous Travel Bans

During Trump's first term he announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries. This policy underwent several changes before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.