Trump Administration Weighs Expansion of Travel Ban

The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include citizens from 36 more countries, building on an existing ban that fully restricts entry from 12 nations and partially restricts seven others. Countries potentially affected span Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific, with examples including Angola, Ghana, Cambodia, Syria, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Egypt, Nigeria, and Bhutan. The proposed expansion is based on concerns such as unreliable identification, poor passport security, lack of cooperation with US deportation efforts, high visa overstay rates, and links to terrorism or anti-American activities, though not all criteria apply to each country. A State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives these countries 60 days to improve security standards or face full or partial entry restrictions. The move has drawn criticism for its broad scope and potential diplomatic fallout, especially with key US partners, while US officials argue it is necessary for national security and border protection. The timing of enforcement depends on how the affected countries respond to the new requirements.