The Trump administration is once again making headlines with a sweeping immigration move that could reshape travel to the United States. According to an internal State Department memo obtained by Reuters, the administration is considering extending its travel restrictions to include 36 additional countries.
This comes just days after President Trump signed a new proclamation blocking entry from 12 countries, citing national security and terrorism threats. The latest proposed expansion—part of what the administration calls a crackdown on illegal immigration and foreign threats—could dramatically widen the current list of restricted nations.
A diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlines serious concerns about countries that fail to meet U.S. standards for identity verification, passport security, and cooperation on deportations. Some nations reportedly fail to take back their citizens who have been ordered to leave the U.S., while others have citizens involved in terrorist activities or anti-American rhetoric.
The memo gives these 36 countries a 60-day deadline to address the outlined issues or face either full or partial entry suspensions.
Among the countries at risk of being added to the list: Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Uganda, Syria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. Other nations named include Bhutan, Saint Lucia, Angola, and even small island nations like Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
If implemented, this would represent one of the largest expansions of a travel ban in modern U.S. history. The administration says the move is necessary to “protect Americans and uphold the highest standards of national security.”
A senior State Department official, while declining to comment on the specifics, told reporters, “We continuously review our visa policies to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and to safeguard our national interests.”
This proposed expansion would build on earlier restrictions enacted this month, which already ban travelers from countries such as Iran, Libya, and Somalia. The administration has also enacted partial bans on nations like Venezuela, Cuba, and Laos.
As many will recall, President Trump’s original travel ban—announced during his first term—targeted several Muslim-majority countries and faced multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
We will continue monitoring this story as it develops and bring you updates on any countries that respond or fall under the new restrictions.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
