U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering imposing comprehensive travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries as part of his strict crackdown on immigration.
According to an internal government memo, the countries are categorized into three groups, marked as red, orange, and yellow.
The red list, which includes 11 countries, would face the most severe restrictions, meaning a complete ban on their citizens entering the United States.
Countries on this list include Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela.
The orange list would impose strict visa restrictions on countries such as Belarus, Russia, Pakistan, and Haiti.
While wealthy business travelers from these nations may still be allowed entry, immigrant and tourist visa applicants would be barred.
Additionally, all applicants in this category would be required to undergo mandatory in-person interviews before obtaining a visa.
Citizens of yellow-listed countries—including Cambodia, Dominica, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe—would face partial suspension of their visas unless their governments address security concerns within 60 days.
Failure to comply could result in escalation to the red or orange list, leading to harsher restrictions.
Uncertainties and Legal Implications
It remains unclear whether individuals with existing visas will be exempt from the ban or if their visas will be revoked.
Additionally, it is not yet known whether current green card holders, who have already been approved for legal permanent residency in the U.S., will be impacted.
This list is a result of an executive order issued by Trump in January, instructing the State Department to identify countries with inadequate screening and vetting procedures,
which could justify partial or complete suspension of their citizens’ entry.
President Trump defended the move, stating it was necessary to protect American citizens from:
Foreign nationals planning terrorist attacks
Individuals who threaten national security
Those who espouse extremist ideologies
Applicants who seek to exploit immigration laws for malicious purposes
A government official, speaking anonymously, warned that changes may still be made to the list before it is finalized and officially announced next week.
The draft is currently under review by U.S. embassy officials, regional security experts, and policymakers.
Stricter Than Trump’s First-Term Travel Ban
This new directive goes far beyond Trump’s first-term travel ban, which primarily targeted seven Muslim-majority countries.
The inclusion of Russia in the orange category, with severe visa restrictions, could strain the improving diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington.
Additionally, Venezuela’s inclusion may reignite tensions between the two nations.
Just last week, the U.S. revoked a major oil license that had allowed Chevron, a U.S. oil giant, to continue operations in Venezuela.
In response, Caracas suspended deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants returning from the U.S.
However, both countries reached an agreement this week to resume repatriation flights.
Recent Actions Against Activists and Green Card Holders
This proposed travel ban expansion follows last week’s revocation of a U.S. green card issued to Mahmoud Khalil,
a prominent Palestinian activist, due to his leadership in university protests against Israel’s war on Gaza.
As the administration finalizes the travel ban list, further political and diplomatic ramifications are expected, particularly in U.S. foreign relations with affected countries.
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