The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include citizens from 36 additional countries.
The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include citizens from 36 additional countries, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters. The move would mark a major escalation in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, initiated at the start of his second term.
Earlier this month, Trump signed a proclamation banning entry from 12 countries, citing threats from “foreign terrorists” and other national security concerns.
The internal diplomatic cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated: “The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days.”
According to the cable, concerns include uncooperative governments, poor identity documentation systems, questionable passport security, visa overstays, and nationals involved in terrorism or anti-American activity. The cable emphasized that not all issues applied to every country listed. The Washington Post first reported the memo.