The Trump administration is preparing a broad travel ban affecting citizens from 43 countries. This move follows Trump’s 2017 travel restrictions, often called the ‘Muslim ban.’
On January 20, President Trump issued an executive order directing cabinet members to create a list of nations facing full or partial restrictions due to ‘deficient vetting and screening information.’ He stated the ban aims to ‘protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.’
According to The New York Times, the draft list categorizes nations into three tiers: ‘red’ (11 countries with total bans, including Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela), ‘orange’ (10 nations requiring specific visas), and ‘yellow’ (22 countries given 60 days to improve vetting or face stricter restrictions).
The State Department confirmed its commitment to ‘upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety’ but declined to comment on internal discussions. Former President Joe Biden had previously called Trump’s travel ban ‘a stain on our national conscience.’
