The United States government is set to expand its travel ban from 19 countries to over 30 nations, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a recent interview. She added that while the final list is still under review, the countries targeted will be those with unstable governments or inadequate systems for vetting citizens.
The expansion comes in the wake of a recent deadly attack in Washington, D.C., in which a member of the National Guard was killed by an Afghan national admitted under a previous resettlement program. US officials said the incident exposed flaws in immigration and asylum procedures, prompting the administration to tighten entry rules.
Noem emphasized that the administration is reviewing both current and past immigration approvals, including asylum applications, to ensure that only individuals meeting strict security criteria are allowed entry. The move is part of a broader effort by the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen national security and reduce risks posed by inadequately screened travelers.
Currently, the travel ban fully or partially affects 19 countries. Expanding it to over 30 nations will significantly limit travel for citizens of these countries, affecting opportunities for work, study, tourism, and business. The administration has not yet released the complete list of countries, but officials have said they will continue evaluating nations on the basis of security risks and government stability.
Experts warn that this expansion could also have diplomatic repercussions, as affected countries may view the move as overly restrictive. Meanwhile, diaspora communities and immigrants in the US are expected to face greater uncertainty regarding visas and travel plans.
The announcement highlights the administration’s commitment to tightening immigration controls while balancing security concerns with international relations. The policy is expected to be rolled out in stages once the final list of countries is confirmed.
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