Donald Trump is making arrangements to broaden a travel restriction on individuals seeking entry into the United States from over 30 nations. This decision follows the White House’s temporary halt on immigration applications from 19 countries and the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies across the US, citing concerns related to national security.
In the past, Trump imposed restrictions on 19 countries, primarily from African or Muslim-majority nations like Afghanistan, Iran, and Libya. Presently, he is planning to include 11 more countries in what is considered one of the most extensive travel bans in history. The new rules, effective since June 9, prevent nationals from countries such as Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the United States.
Additionally, the proclamation limits the entry of foreign nationals from seven other countries, namely Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These bans are part of a broader anti-immigration strategy implemented by Trump, which includes blocking asylum claims at the southern border and authorizing ICE immigration officers to conduct raids nationwide.
While Trump has not officially commented, Secretary of State Kristi Noem hinted at an expanded “full travel ban.” Noem proposed enlarging the list of restricted countries during a meeting with the President, advocating for the inclusion of nations that she believes have been detrimental to the US.
Trump has previously criticized former President Joe Biden for allowing unchecked migrants to enter the country. During his first term, Trump expressed his intention to bar citizens from countries where Islam is the predominant religion, resulting in a travel ban on individuals from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the US.
