US Reportedly Plans Travel Ban Expansion to 36 Countries

President Donald Trump's administration is considering a significant expansion of its travel ban to include citizens from 36 additional countries, primarily from Africa, Central Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. An internal State Department cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been sent to affected countries giving them 60 days to meet specific benchmarks related to the issuance of reliable identity documents, passport security, cooperation in repatriating nationals, and addressing visa overstays. The memo also cited concerns about terrorism, anti-American, and antisemitic activities by nationals from some of these countries. This move follows earlier bans on 12 countries and is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated during Trump's second term, which also includes deportations and restrictions on international students. The expansion is expected to have significant implications for U.S. immigration policy and could strain diplomatic relations, especially with countries in Africa and Asia. The U.S. government has not yet officially commented on the potential new restrictions.