President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly considering expanding its existing travel restrictions to include citizens from an additional 36 countries. This information comes from a confidential State Department cable obtained by Reuters.
A Growing List of Travel Restrictions
The proposed expansion follows a recent proclamation signed by Trump, which already restricts or fully bans entry from 19 nations. Twelve countries, including Iran, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia, are subject to a full entry ban, while seven others—such as Venezuela and Cuba—face partial travel restrictions.
These moves, the administration says, are aimed at bolstering national security in the face of terrorism threats and inconsistent identity verification processes.
“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump stated in a video shared to X (formerly Twitter), adding that many of the countries in question “harbor terrorists” or have poor vetting systems.
The 36 Nations Under Review
According to the internal memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the 36 countries now under scrutiny include Egypt, Nigeria, Angola, Syria, and Ethiopia. These nations have 60 days to meet U.S. standards or risk being added to the list of banned or partially banned nations.
Concerns raised include high instances of passport fraud, lack of cooperation in deportation efforts, and excessive visa overstays.
“The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days,” the cable reads.
Egypt in the Spotlight
Egypt, not currently on the restricted list, has come under increased scrutiny following the arrest of Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman. Soliman, accused of throwing a gasoline bomb at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, was reportedly overstaying his visa and holding an expired work permit.
A senior State Department official, who spoke to Reuters anonymously, noted that policy evaluations are ongoing. “We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws,” the official said.
Part of a Broader Immigration Crackdown
This latest move reflects a continuation of Trump’s tough stance on immigration during his second term. Other actions have included stricter visa rules for international students and mass deportations of individuals linked to gangs.
The administration defends these steps as necessary for maintaining national safety and order.
International Reactions
The African Union has urged the U.S. to adopt a more collaborative approach and to engage in dialogue with the countries affected. Officials from Venezuela and Somalia have also expressed frustration, calling the policy unfair and damaging.
During his first term, Trump implemented a travel ban that was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. He has since indicated that the list of restricted countries may grow.
“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said.
As the 60-day deadline approaches, several governments now face critical decisions if they hope to remain off the U.S. travel ban list.
