In a further move, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to extend its controversial travel ban to include citizens from an additional 36 countries.
This potential expansion was revealed in a State Department memo. It follows the reinstatement of travel restrictions on June 4, 2025, and could significantly reshape U.S. immigration policy.
In this article we look at the proposed changes, their implications, and the reactions they’ve sparked.
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What is the Current Travel Ban?
On June 9, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating a travel ban that bars entry from 12 countries. These are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Seven other nations—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions.
The policy is reportedly driven by national security concerns. It aims to limit entry from countries deemed uncooperative with U.S. vetting processes or posing risks due to unreliable identity documentation.
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The Proposed Expansion
According to a State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the administration is now considering adding 36 countries to the travel ban list.
These nations have been given a 60-day deadline to meet U.S. standards for identity documentation, visa compliance, and deportation cooperation. Failure to comply could result in full or partial entry bans.
The countries under consideration include 25 African nations, such as Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Nigeria.
Caribbean countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Lucia are also targeted, alongside
Central Asian nations like Kyrgyzstan, Pacific Island states like Tonga, and others, including Bhutan, Cambodia, and Syria.
Reasons cited include high visa overstay rates, weak governance, and concerns about antisemitic or anti-American activity.
Why Is This Happening?
The proposed expansion aligns with Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. Recent actions include deporting Venezuelans suspected of gang ties, and restricting international student enrolments. It has also seen the halting refugee admissions from countries like Syria.
The administration argues that stricter vetting is essential to protect national security and address immigration system abuses.
However, critics see the move as an escalation of policies like the “Muslim ban” from Trump’s first term, which faced legal battles but was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
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Reactions and Concerns
The potential ban has drawn sharp criticism. Democrats, civil rights groups, and immigrant advocates argue it disproportionately targets African and Caribbean nations, labeling it xenophobic and discriminatory.
The inclusion of U.S. allies like Egypt and Djibouti raises concerns about strained diplomatic ties, especially for countries reliant on American tourism or investment. Some nations, like Chad, have already retaliated by suspending visas for U.S. citizens.
On June 14, 2025, thousands protested across the U.S. in “No Kings” demonstrations, denouncing the ban as racist.
Legal experts warn that while the president’s authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is broad, the expanded scope could face court challenges, particularly from those with existing U.S. ties.
As the 60-day deadline approaches, the international community watches closely. Will these 36 countries meet U.S. demands, or will the travel ban grow?
The policy’s outcome could redefine global mobility and U.S. foreign relations.
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