Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban to Over 30 Countries, Noem Announces
Washington, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the Trump administration is expanding its travel ban to over 30 countries, following heightened security concerns after a November shooting involving Afghan migrant Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is accused of killing a National Guard member in Washington, D.C.
Noem, in an interview with Fox News, said the expansion would build on a travel ban introduced in June, which restricted entry to citizens of 12 countries and imposed travel limitations on seven others. “The president is continuing to evaluate which countries should be added,” she said, emphasizing the importance of strong vetting procedures.
The expansion follows a series of immigration actions triggered by the shooting incident, including tighter restrictions on visa processing for people from 19 countries already on the list. The administration also suspended asylum decisions and reduced the validity of work permits for certain applicants.
Critics argue that these moves unfairly target vulnerable individuals, while the administration maintains they are necessary for national security.
Countries Originally Affected by the Travel Ban:
- Afghanistan
- Somalia
- Iran
- Syria
- Yemen
- Libya
- Sudan
- Haiti
- Iraq (was later removed from the list)
- Venezuela (for government officials and their families)
- North Korea
- Chad (removed in 2018)
Additional Countries Likely to Be Considered for the Expansion:
Since the administration is focused on security and government stability, additional countries could include nations with ongoing political instability, high levels of terrorism, or difficulties in vetting individuals. Some possibilities might be:
- Pakistan
- Nigeria
- Ethiopia
- Central African Republic
- South Sudan
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Mali
- Sudan (if reinstated due to instability)
However, the specific countries included in the new expanded list haven’t been finalized yet, as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned that President Trump was still evaluating them.
