Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Trump administration is reviewing additional nations to face new restrictions, citing national security and public safety concerns.
The original ban, introduced in June, targeted citizens from countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Other nations under partial restrictions were Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Under the new directive, some of these countries may face complete entry bans, affecting immigrants, tourists, students, and business travellers alike.
Also Read: US stops immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries
Noem emphasized that the expansion is being considered for nations lacking stable governments capable of verifying the identity of their citizens. “If they don’t have a stable government there, if they don’t have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?” she said.
The move follows heightened security concerns after a recent shooting near the White House, carried out by an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through a resettlement program. The administration has linked such incidents to insufficient vetting of immigrants, prompting stricter rules for asylum seekers and visa applicants from high-risk regions.
The Trump administration has also reviewed previously approved asylum cases and Green Cards issued to citizens of the 19 countries. Reports suggest the administration may consider including up to 36 additional nations in the expanded travel ban list. While specific countries have not been named, officials indicate the assessment is ongoing and more restrictions could be announced in the coming weeks.
Also Read: US reviews Green Cards as immigration rules tighten after White House shooting
Analysts note that expanding the travel ban represents a significant escalation in U.S. migration policy, reflecting a focus on security and tighter control over legal immigration. Experts say the step may impact students, business travellers, and families seeking relocation, while reinforcing the administration’s broader enforcement and vetting strategy.
