Trump Administration to Expand Travel Ban to Over 30 Countries

The Trump administration plans to broaden its restrictions on travel to the United States, extending a ban to citizens of more than 30 countries, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday. The expansion comes after a shooting incident involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and builds on a previous ban announced in June.

Noem, speaking in an interview on Fox News Channel, did not provide specifics on which countries would be added or the timeline for implementation, saying that President Donald Trump was still evaluating the measure.

Background and Scope of the Ban

The June travel ban initially restricted travel for citizens of 12 countries and placed limitations on people from an additional seven nations. Countries already affected include Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Haiti. Noem suggested in recent social media posts that the list would grow, but she declined to confirm an exact number, describing it only as “over 30.”

“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 said in the interview.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for further details on the timeline or specific countries that would be included in the expanded ban.

Security and Immigration Measures Intensify

The expansion is the latest in a series of immigration actions the administration has implemented since a shooting on Nov. 26 that critically wounded two National Guard members. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant, has been charged with first-degree murder after Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard died of her injuries. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded in the same incident. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty.

In response, the administration has argued that additional vetting is needed to ensure that individuals entering or residing in the United States do not pose a security risk. This has included pausing asylum decisions, temporarily halting processing of immigration-related benefits for people from the 19 countries initially covered by the ban, and suspending visas for Afghans who assisted U.S. military operations.

Changes to Work Permits and Asylum Processes

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Thursday that the validity period for certain work permits, including those held by refugees and asylum seekers, will be reduced. This measure requires applicants to reapply more frequently and undergo additional vetting. Critics argue that the changes penalize individuals who have already completed extensive screening and amount to collective punishment, particularly affecting vulnerable populations who assisted U.S. efforts abroad.

The announcement comes amid broader debates over immigration policy and national security. Advocates for stricter controls emphasize the need to vet entrants thoroughly, while human rights organizations and immigration attorneys highlight the humanitarian and logistical challenges posed by sudden policy expansions.

Ongoing Debate and International Implications

The expanded travel ban is likely to affect travel, family reunification, and immigration pathways for thousands of individuals worldwide. Legal experts suggest that implementation could face challenges in courts if it significantly impacts people who have already been vetted or hold approved visas. Meanwhile, international partners and refugee organizations may need to adjust procedures to accommodate changes in U.S. policy.

While details of the new restrictions remain under review, the Trump administration’s actions reflect a broader emphasis on national security and border control. Observers note that previous measures, including travel bans and visa pauses, have prompted both domestic and international scrutiny for their immediate humanitarian impact and long-term effects on migration patterns.