Multiple news agencies are reporting that the Trump administration is considering a sweeping travel ban that would bar or restrict entry for citizens from 41 countries. According to an internal memo obtained by Reuters, the new restrictions aim to tighten national security and address visa overstays while penalizing countries that fail to comply with U.S. security and identity verification standards.
This proposed ban, which expands on earlier Trump-era travel restrictions, is expected to face legal challenges and could have significant diplomatic and economic repercussions if implemented.
The draft proposal divides the 41 affected countries into three tiers, each facing different levels of restrictions:
Red List (Full Visa Suspension)
Countries affected: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen
Impact: Citizens from these countries would be completely barred from obtaining U.S. visas for tourism, work, study, or immigration. The ban would be indefinite, subject to a periodic review of security conditions.
Orange List (Partial Visa Suspension)
Countries affected: Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, South Sudan.
Impact: Certain visa types—such as tourist, student, and business visas—would be restricted for nationals of these countries, but exceptions may be made for special cases such as medical emergencies or diplomatic travel.
Yellow List (Conditional Partial Suspension)
Countries affected: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, East Timor, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu
Impact: These countries face a temporary suspension of visas unless they comply with U.S. security demands within 60 days. They could be moved to the Full Visa Suspension category if they fail to improve passport security, identity verification, and data-sharing agreements.
What Next?
The proposal is currently under review by senior White House officials and will require final approval from administration leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. If implemented, it could go into effect within the next 60 days.
What You Should Do If You’re Affected:
Check your visa status – If you’re from one of the affected countries and currently in the U.S., consult an immigration attorney about options to adjust your status.
Avoid travel outside the U.S. – If you leave, you may be denied reentry once the ban is enforced.
Monitor official announcements – The U.S. State Department will publish updates on the policy and any changes in enforcement.
