WASHINGTON- The Trump administration plans to expand its travel ban to more than 30 countries to strengthen national security through better vetting. Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed this development in a Fox News interview.
This expansion builds on a June proclamation that bans entry from 12 countries and restricts seven others. A recent shooting in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national accelerated reviews of prior asylum cases and green cards.
US Extends Travel Ban
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the travel ban during Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle.”
Host Laura Ingraham asked if the administration would increase the list to 32 countries. Noem responded, “I won’t be specific on the number, but it’s over 30, and the president is continuing to evaluate countries.”
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in June that fully bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States.
It also restricts entry from seven other nations. These measures apply to immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business travelers. The policy aims to protect against foreign terrorists and other security threats.
Noem explained the criteria for additions. “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?” she stated. She did not name specific countries under consideration.
According to Reuters, the administration previously considered banning citizens of 36 additional countries based on an internal State Department cable.
Response to Recent Security Incident
The planned expansion follows the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last week.
Investigators identified the shooter as an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through a resettlement program. Trump administration officials argue that vetting under this program lacked sufficient rigor.
Days after the incident, President Trump vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries.” He did not identify specific nations or define the term.
Department of Homeland Security officials stated that Trump ordered a review of asylum cases approved during the Biden administration. The review also covers green cards issued to citizens of the 19 countries currently on the ban list.
Immigration Enforcement Priorities
Since returning to the office in January, President Trump has focused on immigration enforcement.
Federal agents operate in major US cities to increase deportations. The administration turns away asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border.
These actions emphasize illegal immigration controls. The travel ban expansion shifts attention to legal immigration pathways, marking a broader strategy to reshape entry policies.
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