Expansion Plan
WASHINGTON: US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has disclosed that the Trump administration is preparing to expand the travel ban list to over 30 countries. Previously, restrictions applied to 19 nations.
Interview Remarks
In an interview with Fox News, Noem declined to confirm whether the list would reach 32 countries, but stated: “It will be more than 30, and the President continues to review these nations.” She did not specify which new countries might be added.
Criteria for Inclusion
Noem explained that nations unable to verify the identity of travelers or lacking stable governance could face restrictions. “If a country cannot help us confirm who is coming from its soil, why should we allow entry?” she said.
Previous Orders
Earlier in June, President Trump signed an executive order banning entry from 12 countries and imposing strict restrictions on citizens of seven others. The measures applied to both immigrants and non‑immigrants, including tourists, students, and business travelers. Trump defended the policy as necessary to counter “foreign terrorists and other security threats.”
Diplomatic Reports
Reuters previously reported, citing diplomatic cables, that the administration was considering restrictions on up to 36 additional countries.
Security Context
The potential expansion comes shortly after an incident in Washington where two National Guard officers were shot. Following the attack, Trump announced that immigration from “all third‑world countries” could be halted entirely, though he did not name specific nations.