US Considers Expanding Travel Ban to Africa

The Trump administration is considering expanding US travel restrictions to include citizens from 36 additional countries, primarily in Africa, due to concerns over weak identity documentation, poor cooperation on deportations, and national security risks. African nations such as Tanzania, Angola, Benin, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Nigeria are among those at risk, and have increased diplomatic efforts to avoid the bans. The US State Department has given these countries a 60-day deadline to improve their screening and compliance with US immigration standards or face full or partial entry suspensions. The policy would expand existing travel bans that currently target 12 countries, and has drawn criticism for disproportionately affecting African nations and long-standing US partners. The move is seen as part of the administration’s strict approach to immigration and national security. Final decisions on the expanded restrictions are expected soon.