The Trump administration is considering new travel bans affecting 43 countries, including visa application pauses for Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. A full ban is recommended for 11 nations, and restrictions for others based on compliance with US practices over a set period.
The United States administration, under President Donald Trump, is considering implementing new travel bans impacting 43 countries, including a potential halt in processing visa applications from Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. According to reports from US media, a group of diplomatic and security officials has developed a targeted list of countries, which includes varying travel restrictions categorized into three groups.
The proposed plan advocates for a comprehensive ban on entry from 11 countries, which includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Additionally, nationals from Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and Pakistan would face restrictions on obtaining immigrant or tourist visas.
Travelers from nations such as Angola, Benin, and Cambodia may also be affected unless their governments demonstrate significant improvements regarding specific practices identified by the US within a 60-day period. The draft of this list has been prepared by the State Department weeks prior, with potential alterations before submission to the White House, according to unnamed sources.
Following his inauguration on January 20, President Trump mandated the State Department to compile a list of countries that necessitate a partial or full suspension of nationals due to insufficient vetting and screening measures within 60 days.
In summary, the Trump administration is deliberating over travel bans targeting over 40 countries, citing security concerns. A full ban is proposed for 11 nations, while others face restrictions on visa applications. The travel landscape may shift significantly based on countries’ compliance with US standards, as indicated by the draft prepared by the State Department, pending approval from the White House.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
