The Trump administration is weighing a major expansion of U.S. travel restrictions that could ban citizens from 36 additional countries, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters. The move follows last week’s proclamation banning entry from 12 nations over alleged terrorism concerns, part of President Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The cable identifies Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Syria, Zambia, and 30 other countries as failing to meet U.S. security benchmarks. State Department concerns include inadequate passport security, uncooperative governments in deportations, visa overstays, and alleged involvement in antisemitic or anti-American activities. Nations have 60 days to address deficiencies or face full/partial entry suspensions.
This would significantly broaden existing bans affecting Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and five others. Seven additional countries (including Cuba and Venezuela) already face partial restrictions. The policy expansion aligns with Trump’s recent deportation raids targeting Venezuelans and new university enrollment restrictions for foreign students.
The proposal echoes Trump’s 2017 "Muslim ban" – initially blocking seven Muslim-majority countries – which faced legal challenges before Supreme Court approval. A State Department official defended the policy, stating, "We uphold the highest security standards through our visa process," though advocates condemn it as discriminatory.
African nations dominate the new list (19 countries), risking strained diplomatic ties. Families face separation, while students and professionals could lose opportunities. Nigeria – Africa’s largest economy – expressed alarm, noting its 12,000 U.S.-bound students annually. Critics argue the bans ignore root causes of migration and undermine U.S. global standing.