The United States is preparing to introduce travel bans on several more countries. On Thursday (4 December), US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem indicated that the number of countries under travel restrictions will rise to over 30.
Speaking on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Noem stated that President Donald Trump is continuing his evaluation of countries, and the list of those to be added has not yet been finalised.
In June, Trump prohibited citizens from 12 countries from entering the US, later extending restrictions to nationals of another seven. Noem said the ban covers both immigrant and non-immigrant categories, including tourists, students and business travellers.
Noem commented, ‘If a country’s government is unstable or does not assist in verifying its citizens, why should we allow them entry into the United States?’
Reuters reported that the administration is considering imposing restrictions on citizens of 36 additional countries. If implemented, the expanded ban will further strengthen US security measures following the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
Investigations revealed that the shooting was carried out by an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through a resettlement programme. Days after the attack, Trump vowed to permanently halt immigration from third-world countries, though none were specifically named.
Previously, Department of Homeland Security officials stated that Trump had reviewed asylum cases approved during Joe Biden’s administration as well as green cards granted to citizens of 19 countries. Since taking office, Trump has prioritised immigration enforcement, deploying federal agents to cities and turning back asylum seekers at the border.
Glive24/SS