Trump administration contemplates expanding travel ban to 36 more countries amid security concerns

The Trump administration is considering a dramatic expansion of its travel ban policy, potentially barring citizens from an additional 36 countries from entering the United States, according to an internal State Department cable reviewed by Reuters.

The proposed move comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s latest proclamation earlier this month, which imposed travel restrictions on citizens from 12 countries. Citing national security threats and the risk of terrorism, the administration is intensifying its immigration crackdown in Trump’s second term.

The confidential diplomatic cable, signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines a range of security concerns related to the newly identified countries. It warns that if these nations do not address the issues within 60 days, they may face full or partial entry suspensions.

According to the cable, problems include the failure of governments to issue reliable identity documents, insecure passport systems, and non-cooperation in the repatriation of nationals ordered deported from the United States. Additional concerns include significant visa overstays, suspected links to terrorism, and antisemitic or anti-American activity by nationals of the countries.

“These are serious concerns, and not all issues apply to every country listed,” the cable clarified.

The list of countries now under scrutiny includes Angola, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Syria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and 28 others. If implemented, this would significantly broaden the travel restrictions beyond the original list announced earlier in the month, which included Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, among others.

Additionally, seven nations – including Venezuela, Cuba, and Laos – currently face partial restrictions.

A senior State Department official, while declining to confirm the contents of the internal document, told reporters, “We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws.”

The official emphasized the department’s commitment to “upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”

This potential expansion marks a continuation of Trump’s hardline immigration stance. In his first term, a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries sparked controversy and legal challenges before being upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.

The move has already drawn concern from immigration advocates and foreign governments, with critics warning that such broad bans risk alienating allies and undermining America’s global standing. Nonetheless, the administration appears poised to act swiftly if its demands for compliance go unmet.