The administration of former US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a significant expansion of its travel ban policy. According to an internal memo obtained by The Washington Post, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has signed a proposal to impose visa restrictions or outright travel bans on citizens of 36 additional countries, with 25 of them located in Africa.
Affected Countries
Some of the countries expected to be affected include:
- *African Countries:*
- *Nigeria*
- *Egypt*
- *Ghana*
- *Djibouti*
- *Other Countries:* 11 additional countries outside of Africa will also be impacted, although the specific countries have not been detailed
Reasons for Proposed Restrictions
The proposed restrictions are based on several factors, including ¹:
- *Failure to produce reliable identity or civil documentation*
- *High visa overstay rates*
- *Corruption and fraud in government processes*
- *Citizenship-by-investment schemes with little or no residency obligations*
- *Allegations of antisemitic or anti-American activities*
Potential Impact
If enacted, this measure would represent one of the most aggressive immigration actions of Trump's second term, drawing comparisons to the controversial "Muslim ban" implemented during his first term. Critics argue that the proposed move is discriminatory and would affect not only foreigners but also US citizens, potentially separating families due to the travel ban.
Response from Affected Countries
Countries given a 60-day window to comply with new US Department of State requirements or risk being blacklisted. To avoid inclusion on the ban list, affected nations may also opt to accept deportees from the US or enter into "safe third country" agreements.
Conclusion
The potential expansion of the US travel ban policy has sparked debate, with some arguing it would enhance national security, while others see it as discriminatory and detrimental to US citizens and foreign nationals alike. The outcome will depend on how countries respond to the new requirements and the final decision made by the US administration.
