The United States is set to significantly expand its controversial travel ban, with the list of prohibited countries growing to encompass more than 30 nations. The announcement was made by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, marking a major escalation in the Trump administration's immigration and security measures.
Fox News Announcement and Vague Numbers
During an appearance on Fox News's The Ingraham Angle on Thursday evening, Noem was pressed to confirm reports that the administration would increase the number of countries on the travel ban list to 32. While she declined to give a precise figure, she confirmed the expansion was substantial. "I won't be specific on the number, but it's over 30, and the president is continuing to evaluate countries," Noem stated.
She elaborated on the administration's rationale, questioning why the US should admit individuals from nations perceived as unstable. "If they don't have a stable government there, if they don't have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?" Noem argued. She did not, however, specify which additional countries would be added to the list.
Context of the Existing Ban and Recent Events
This planned expansion builds upon an existing proclamation signed by Donald Trump in June, which currently bans citizens from 12 countries and imposes restrictions on those from seven others. The administration has consistently framed these bans, which apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants like tourists and students, as essential for protecting national security from "foreign terrorists" and other threats.
The move follows heightened security concerns in the wake of a recent shooting in Washington DC, where two National Guard members were attacked. Investigators linked the shooting to an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021 via a resettlement programme. Administration officials have criticised the vetting procedures of that programme. Days after the incident, Trump vowed to "permanently pause" migration from what he broadly termed "third world countries".
Criticism and Wider Immigration Crackdown
The proposed ban extension has been met with sharp criticism from immigration advocacy groups and lawmakers. The escalation coincides with reports that the administration is also halting immigration applications from 19 countries already under travel restrictions and canceling naturalization ceremonies for individuals from banned nations.
Furthermore, this policy shift is part of a broader review ordered by Trump. Officials from the DHS have indicated that the President mandated a widespread audit of asylum cases approved under the Biden administration, as well as green cards issued to citizens from the 19 countries initially targeted. An internal State Department cable, previously seen by Reuters, suggested the administration was considering adding citizens from 36 additional countries to the banned list.
The confirmation from Secretary Noem signals a firm and widening commitment to a restrictive immigration framework, prioritising security vetting capabilities over global mobility. The exact scope and timeline for implementing the expanded travel ban remain to be fully detailed by the White House.
