The Trump administration is finalizing a new travel ban that would be broader than the ones issued during Trump’s first term. The ban, enacted under an executive order titled "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other," aims to prevent individuals deemed as national security risks from entering the U.S.
As reported by The New York Times, this directive tasks Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard with identifying countries for restriction within 60 days. The latest reports suggest a draft recommendation includes a “red list” of nations whose citizens would be completely barred from U.S. entry. The countries named so far include Sudan, Venezuela, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Cuba and North Korea, with Pakistan and Afghanistan expected to be added.
While the administration justifies this policy as necessary for national security, it raises concerns about its impact on refugees and individuals who have already been vetted for U.S. entry. The proposal could affect tens of thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the 20-year war and now face Taliban retribution. It remains unclear whether those with existing visas, green cards or special immigrant visas would be exempt.
The order also introduces "orange" and "yellow" categories for countries facing less severe restrictions. Nations coded as orange would have limited access, while yellow-listed countries would have 60 days to meet certain security requirements or risk restrictions.
While Trump’s supporters see the move as a strong stance on immigration and security, critics argue it may unfairly target Muslim-majority countries and create unnecessary hardships for people who have already undergone rigorous vetting processes. The final details of the ban will be critical in determining its full impact.