US considering extending travel ban from 19 to 30 countries
What's the story
The United States is reportedly planning to expand its travel ban from 19 countries to over 30. United States Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the news on Fox News's "The Ingraham Angle." "I won't be specific on the number, but it's over 30, and the president is continuing to evaluate countries," she said.
Existing restrictions
Current travel ban and its implications
The current travel ban by the Trump administration prohibits citizens from 12 countries and imposes varying restrictions on seven others. The bans apply to immigrants and non-immigrants alike, encompassing tourists, students, and business travelers. The administration argues these measures are necessary to protect against security threats and potential infiltration by "foreign terrorists."
Security focus
National security concerns drive travel ban expansion
Noem said the main concern of the administration is some governments' inability to verify the identities of people trying to enter the US. She asked, "If they don't have a stable government there...why should we allow people from that country to come here?" Her statement is congruent with the administration's position that national security takes precedence over diplomatic sensitivities.
Ban expansion
Recent events accelerate timeline for travel ban expansion
Reports suggest that the move has been in discussion for months. However, recent events have accelerated the timeline. The turning point was a shooting incident in Washington, DC, where two National Guard members were killed by an Afghan national who entered the US through a resettlement program in 2021. This incident has intensified scrutiny on vetting processes and prompted President Donald Trump to call for a "permanent pause" on migration from all "Third World countries."
Immigration policy
Travel ban expansion part of broader immigration enforcement
The potential expansion of the travel ban is part of a larger shift in immigration policy under Trump's administration. Since returning to office in January, Trump has focused on immigration enforcement by increasing deportation operations and tightening controls at the US-Mexico border. The expansion of the travel ban is one of the clearest moves yet to redefine legal immigration pathways.