The Trump administration is reportedly considering significant travel and visa restrictions targeting 43 countries, as indicated by an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The proposed measures suggest the creation of a “red list,” which would entail complete visa suspensions for 11 nations, including North Korea, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Cuba.
Additionally, another group comprising five countries—Laos, Myanmar, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Haiti—would face restricted visa access, limiting opportunities for tourists, students, and immigrants. Citizens from these nations would be required to attend mandatory in-person visa interviews to acquire permits for travel to the U.S., as reported by the New York Times.
Moreover, a third category encompassing 26 nations, including Pakistan, Belarus, and Turkmenistan, could experience partial visa suspensions if their governments do not address identified deficiencies within a specified timeframe of 60 days. It’s important to note that as of now, this list has not received official approval and is subject to change.
This potential wave of restrictions follows sweeping executive orders signed by President Trump on January 26, aimed at tightening immigration policies, enhancing vetting procedures for visa applicants, and bolstering border security. The internal memo also surfaces in the context of Trump’s earlier actions, which included a controversial travel ban during his first term that targeted several Muslim-majority countries, a policy that was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court despite claims of it being discriminatory.
Ahead of the elections, Trump committed to limiting U.S. entry for individuals from regions such as the Gaza Strip, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. The administration has yet to provide commentary regarding the memo’s contents.
In a recent statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasised that obtaining a visa to live and study in the United States is a privilege that should be granted carefully. She underscored that individuals who promote violence and terrorism should have that privilege revoked, reinforcing the administration’s strict stance on immigration and security.