New US Travel Restrictions May Hit 36 Nations: A Global Immigration Shakeup
In a significant escalation of its immigration enforcement agenda, the Trump administration is considering a major expansion to its existing travel ban policy. According to an internal State Department memo obtained by Reuters, new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations, adding to the growing list of countries facing entry limitations into the United States.
This proposed expansion is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten national security and restrict immigration from nations that, according to the U.S. government, fail to meet certain security and identity-management standards. The potential travel ban affects countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, signaling a dramatic global shift in U.S. immigration policy.
The Memo and Its Implications
An internal diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations unless these countries comply with U.S. security benchmarks within a 60-day window. The memo states:
“The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days.”
The rationale behind this aggressive move includes several concerns: poor passport security systems, failure to cooperate in deportation procedures, a high number of visa overstays, and suspected links of citizens to terrorist or anti-American activities. These criteria mirror those used in earlier iterations of the U.S. travel ban, signaling a consistent, albeit controversial, policy trajectory under President Trump’s renewed term.
Who’s on the List?
The memo provides a comprehensive list of countries that may soon face entry restrictions. If the policy is enforced, new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations including:
- Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria.
- Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia.
- Oceania: Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
- Others: Sao Tome and Principe.
This move follows the administration’s June 4 proclamation that banned travel from 12 countries, namely: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
In addition to the potential new list, partial restrictions are already in place for travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. With the possibility that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations, the number of affected countries could exceed 50 by the end of the year.
Security Over Diplomacy?
The Trump administration has long prioritized national security over diplomatic consequences. The argument presented is that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations because of systemic failures by these countries to secure travel documents or effectively manage the identity of their citizens.
According to the memo, while some nations have weak passport control or cooperate poorly on deportation requests, others have citizens with alleged links to terrorism or anti-American sentiment. However, not all issues apply to each nation on the list, and individualized assessments will guide the final decision.
This policy push reflects President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement during his second term. After cracking down on Venezuelans suspected of gang affiliations and tightening rules on international students, the administration seems intent on eliminating any loopholes that could be exploited by foreign nationals deemed a threat.
Global Repercussions Likely
If implemented, the fact that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations could trigger a wave of diplomatic protests and retaliatory visa actions. Countries like Egypt and Nigeria, both key U.S. allies, are on the potential ban list. Such a move might affect international relations, trade, tourism, and bilateral cooperation.
Analysts believe this sweeping action could further isolate the United States diplomatically, especially in Africa and the Global South. The memo does mention that “each nation will need to address the issues within 60 days to avoid being added to the expanded ban list,” suggesting there is still time for diplomatic engagement.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Civil liberties organizations and immigration advocates have already begun organizing responses. When the Trump administration implemented its first travel ban in 2017, it faced immediate legal challenges and massive public protests. If new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations, similar resistance can be expected.
Critics argue the policy amounts to “nationality-based discrimination,” while supporters claim it is a necessary measure to protect U.S. citizens. The administration insists it is applying uniform, transparent security benchmarks, not targeting specific ethnic or religious groups.
Domestic Political Impact
Domestically, the announcement that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations could serve to energize Trump’s political base, particularly those supportive of stricter immigration enforcement. With the upcoming elections looming, the travel ban expansion might also become a centerpiece of Trump’s campaign messaging around national security and sovereignty.
At the same time, such policies may deepen polarization within the U.S. electorate. Immigration remains one of the most divisive topics in American politics, and the targeting of so many countries could spark fresh waves of activism, especially among diaspora communities.
What Happens Next?
The next 60 days are crucial. Governments of the 36 nations named in the memo must now prove their compliance with U.S. security benchmarks. If they fail, the reality that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations could unfold swiftly, with the State Department and Department of Homeland Security preparing to issue updated executive orders or proclamations.
Countries that take immediate corrective steps may avoid full bans, but others that lack resources or strong diplomatic ties with Washington may struggle to meet U.S. demands in time. The memo hints at flexibility, but the final decision rests with President Trump and his national security team.
Conclusion
The prospect that new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations underscores a continued hardline approach to immigration under the Trump administration. It also reveals a growing emphasis on security vetting and bilateral accountability in international relations.
Whether this move strengthens U.S. security or further isolates it diplomatically remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that global mobility is once again under serious threat, and the geopolitical landscape could shift dramatically if this policy is enacted.
Governments, civil society organizations, and travelers worldwide will be closely watching the developments over the coming weeks, hoping that diplomacy can prevail before new US travel restrictions may hit 36 nations officially becomes U.S. law.