The Trump administration is considering imposing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries, according to an internal memo seen by media and sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposed ban divides the affected nations into three categories. The first group, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, faces a full suspension of U.S. visa issuance. The second group—comprising Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—would see partial restrictions, targeting tourist, student, and immigrant visas with limited exceptions. The third group, featuring 26 countries such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, would be given 60 days to improve security measures or face partial visa suspensions.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned that the list is still subject to revisions and has yet to receive final approval from the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The proposal echoes Trump’s first-term travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations, a measure that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 after multiple legal challenges. It also aligns with an executive order Trump signed on January 20, mandating stricter security vetting for all foreign nationals seeking entry to the U.S.
Trump previewed the expansion in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict travelers from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other locations deemed security risks.
