In a move to strengthen U.S. national security, the Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include up to 36 additional countries, according to a newly revealed State Department memo. The initiative would nearly triple the current list of nations facing full or partial restrictions, reflecting President Trump’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing American safety.
The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlights concerns about countries with inadequate identity verification systems, unreliable criminal records, or governments plagued by corruption and fraud. Some nations were flagged for harboring individuals who’ve overstayed visas or engaged in anti-American or antisemitic activity.
“This isn’t about discrimination—it’s about security,” said a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. “We’re taking common-sense steps to ensure that people entering the United States can be properly vetted and aren’t a threat to our citizens.”
The plan would also pressure foreign governments to accept deportees and cooperate with U.S. efforts to enforce immigration law. Countries unwilling to meet new standards could face travel restrictions as early as August.
Critics have called the policy discriminatory, but supporters argue it’s a necessary measure to curb illegal immigration, terrorism risks, and system abuse. Trump’s allies say the move is a continuation of his America First agenda—one that prioritizes sovereignty, safety, and the rule of law.
Countries newly considered for the ban include Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and others spanning Africa, Central Asia, and the Pacific. These would join nations already under restrictions for failing to meet U.S. vetting standards.
In contrast to the Biden administration’s open-border approach, Trump’s travel policy reflects his determination to safeguard the homeland and hold international partners accountable.
