Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has reignited his hardline stance on immigration, now reportedly preparing to expand the U.S. travel ban to include 36 additional countries. His administration cites national security concerns, referencing recent unrest, such as an attack at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado. Trump emphasized that the U.S. “cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter.”
Last month, the administration reinstated a travel ban affecting 12 nations, including Iran, Yemen, and Somalia. Seven more countries—such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan—were placed under travel restrictions. Now, a further list of 36 nations, primarily in Africa and Asia, have been given 60 days to meet new compliance standards or face similar bans.
Countries now at risk of being banned include Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Syria. Others on the list are small island nations such as Saint Lucia and Tuvalu, as well as developing states like Malawi, Gambia, and Bhutan. These nations must meet undisclosed criteria related to security, immigration cooperation, and information-sharing to avoid being barred.
Trump’s actions have sparked major protests, especially following ICE raids in Los Angeles, which led to clashes and heightened tensions. Despite backlash, Trump has deployed military support to help control the unrest and is pursuing strict enforcement of deportations.
In addition to immigration bans, Trump has also controversially blocked international students from attending Harvard. These moves have been widely criticized as xenophobic and authoritarian, but Trump insists they are necessary to protect U.S. citizens and national interests.
Here’s the current full ban list:
Afghanistan
Myanmar
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
Other countries with US travel restrictions:
Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela