WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is looking at possible travel restrictions for citizens from more than 40 countries, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters and other sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposal divides 41 countries into
three different groups. The first group of 10 nations could face a total suspension of U.S. visas. These countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea.
Three Tiers of Restrictions
The second group includes five countries – Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan. These countries may face partial restrictions, meaning the U.S. may pause tourist, student, and other immigrant visa applications, while some visa categories could be allowed.
The third group includes 26 countries like Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. The memo says these countries might face partial suspensions unless their governments improve their security vetting processes within 60 days.
Details Still Being Finalized
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said the list is still under review and could change before final approval. The decision will ultimately rest with top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The New York Times was the first outlet to report the details of the internal memo.
A Policy Echoing Trump’s First-Term Ban
This new move resembles Trump's first-term travel policy that restricted travelers from several majority-Muslim countries. That earlier ban was debated and changed several times before the Supreme Court upheld a version of it in 2018.
On January 20, President Trump signed an executive order that called for stronger screening of foreign travelers entering the U.S. The goal is to detect and block any national security threats. The order directed Cabinet members to present a list of countries with weak vetting systems by March 21.
Push for Tighter Immigration Policies
The travel ban proposal is part of a broader immigration policy that Trump has prioritized since returning to the White House. In a speech last October, he said he wanted to limit entry from places such as the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, stating those areas could pose security concerns.
The State Department has not commented on the latest developments.
Awaiting Final Decisions
As the March 21 deadline approaches, officials are working to finalize which countries may be included in the restrictions. The internal memo highlights concerns about the quality of vetting and screening processes in certain countries, which the administration views as a security risk.
Once approved, the policy could impact thousands of people who apply for U.S. visas each year. Some countries may see limited access to certain visa categories, while others might face a full block on new visa applications.
The plan would give affected countries an opportunity to improve their vetting procedures. If changes are not made within 60 days, partial restrictions could begin.
Officials say the policy is designed to protect national security and ensure that foreign travelers entering the U.S. are properly screened. But critics are expected to question whether the move is fair or targets certain regions unfairly.
As of now, no final decision has been made, and more changes may come before any policy is officially announced.
Keywords: Trump travel restrictions, US visa suspension, immigration policy 2025, travel ban countries, Trump administration visa plan, US national security vetting