WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration is weighing a major expansion of its travel restrictions, with a new internal memo revealing that citizens from up to 36 more countries could be barred from entering the United States unless their governments meet certain security and cooperation benchmarks within 60 days.
The move, detailed in a diplomatic cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reviewed by Reuters, would mark a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown during his second term.
Earlier this month, Trump signed a proclamation banning entry from 12 countries, citing threats from “foreign terrorists” and national security risks. The administration has also stepped up deportations, denied some student visa enrollments, and sent hundreds of suspected gang members to El Salvador.
According to the memo, the new list of 36 countries includes nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Syria, and Uganda. The State Department cited a range of issues for concern, including the inability of some governments to produce reliable identity documents, failure to repatriate citizens ordered deported from the U.S., visa overstays, and past involvement of nationals in terrorism or anti-American activity.
“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 reads.
While not every concern applies to each country, the memo warned that failure to address these issues could result in full or partial bans.
A senior State Department official declined to comment on the specific deliberations, saying only: “We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws.”
“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 official added.
This would be the largest expansion of the administration’s travel restrictions to date. The original ban, enacted earlier this month, already targets 12 countries, while seven others currently face partial restrictions.
Trump introduced a controversial travel ban during his first term, targeting several Muslim-majority nations. After multiple legal challenges and revisions, the policy was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.