The Trump administration is considering imposing fresh travel restrictions that could impact citizens from over 40 countries, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The proposal, still under review, categorizes affected nations into three groups, each facing varying levels of visa suspensions.
The first category, comprising 10 countries—including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea—would be subjected to a complete visa suspension, effectively barring their citizens from obtaining U.S. visas.
A second group of five nations—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—would face partial restrictions, limiting access to tourist, student, and other immigrant visas, albeit with some exceptions.
Meanwhile, a third set of 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, has been warned of potential visa limitations unless their governments take corrective actions to address security concerns within 60 days.
This initiative stems from an executive order issued on January 20, directing heightened security measures for foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States. The order mandates federal agencies to compile a list of countries deemed to have inadequate vetting and screening protocols, recommending either partial or complete visa suspensions.
This policy echoes the administration’s past immigration strategies, particularly the 2017 travel ban, which predominantly targeted Muslim-majority nations and was widely referred to as a “Muslim ban.” President Trump himself embraced that label at the time.
The proposed visa restrictions align with broader immigration policies aimed at tightening entry into the U.S. In recent months, the administration has intensified deportation efforts, particularly targeting individuals linked to alleged security threats.
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Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly ramping up efforts to expel undocumented migrants connected to certain crime networks, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and El Salvador’s MS-13.
In a related development, federal authorities have revoked visas and initiated deportations of foreign students accused of involvement in activities deemed supportive of extremist groups. Among them is Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who allegedly participated in campus protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza last year. Another student, Leqaa Kordia, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers after overstaying a terminated visa. Indian doctoral student Ranjani Srinivasan also chose to leave the U.S. after officials accused her of links to Hamas.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended these actions, stating, “Being granted a visa to live and study in the United States is a privilege. When individuals engage in activities that support violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked.”
What’s Next?
The travel restrictions remain under review and require approval from the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While adjustments to the list are possible, the memo underscores the administration’s commitment to stringent immigration and national security policies.
As the situation unfolds, affected nations may face diplomatic pressure to enhance their security cooperation with the U.S. in order to avoid potential visa bans.
