U.S. Prepares Travel Ban List Targeting Citizens from 43 Countries

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State is developing a new list of countries whose citizens may soon be barred from entering the United States. This potential move resembles the travel ban that former President Donald Trump sought to implement during his first term.

The proposed restrictions, part of a broader policy initiative, would affect individuals from a total of 43 countries, as reported by The New York Times. This initiative has been crafted by diplomatic and security officials and includes a ‘red list’ of 11 nations where entry would be strictly prohibited. The identified nations include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

In addition to the red list, the draft proposal also delineates a ‘yellow list’ of 10 countries. Citizens from these nations would face more restrictive travel conditions, though they might still gain entry under specific circumstances, particularly those with wealthy business ties. However, those traveling with immigrant or tourist visas would remain excluded.

“For Venezuelan citizens, the implications of these new restrictions remain unclear,” said Rodolfo Ruiz, a legal expert in aviation and travel legislation. He expressed concerns on social media regarding the status of current visa holders and their possible exemptions from the new prohibitions. “It is uncertain what will happen to those with a Green Card, which grants them the right to legally reside in the United States,” he added.

This potential travel ban further amplifies ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. Critics argue such measures disproportionately harm vulnerable populations escaping economic and political crises in their home countries. The administration’s focus on national security continues to prioritize strict immigration control.

As the administration prepares to finalize the travel restrictions, it faces significant scrutiny from both domestic and international fronts. Observers are keenly monitoring how these proposed measures will impact diplomacy and humanitarian efforts tied to affected countries.