President Trump is trying to transform America for the better. But that has Democrats on edge.
And Donald Trump has released a new strategy that’s sent Leftists spiraling out of control.
Trump Administration Eyes Major Expansion of Travel Ban
The administration of President Donald Trump is exploring a new plan to widen its travel restrictions, potentially barring entry to citizens from 36 additional nations, according to a confidential State Department cable obtained by Reuters. This is a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration policies as it seeks to tighten national security measures.
Earlier in June, Trump, now in his second term as the Republican president, issued a proclamation halting entry from 12 countries, citing the need to safeguard the United States from “foreign terrorists” and other threats to national security.
This directive builds on a series of immigration measures rolled out this year, including the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of gang affiliations to El Salvador and efforts to limit foreign student enrollment in U.S. universities, with some facing deportation.
A diplomatic cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reported first by the Washington Post, detailed a range of issues prompting the proposed expansion. The State Department flagged 36 countries that could face full or partial entry bans unless they address specific concerns within 60 days.
“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 stated.
The concerns outlined in the cable vary. Some countries lack reliable systems for producing trustworthy identity documents or maintain “questionable security” in their passport.
Others have been uncooperative in accepting the return of their nationals ordered deported from the U.S. or have citizens who frequently overstay U.S. visas. The cable also highlighted instances where nationals from certain countries were linked to terrorism, antisemitic actions, or anti-American activities in the U.S. Not every country listed faces all of these issues, the cable clarified.
A senior State Department official, speaking anonymously to avoid discussing internal deliberations, emphasized the administration’s focus on safety. “We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws,” the official said.
They added, “The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”
The 36 countries at risk of new restrictions include:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This potential expansion would build on the existing ban affecting Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Partial restrictions are already in place for seven other nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The proposed measures echo Trump’s first term, when he introduced a controversial travel ban targeting seven Muslim-majority countries. That policy, after several revisions, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
The current push reflects a continuation of the administration’s hardline stance on immigration. Voters elected Trump in 2024 to fix the immigration crisis in this country, and that’s exactly what the president is doing.
As the 60-day deadline approaches, the listed countries face pressure to address the State Department’s concerns or risk being added to an already extensive travel ban.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
