Noem meets with Trump, suggests complete travel ban

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she has advised President Trump to implement a complete travel ban during a meeting on Monday. On the social platform X, Noem stated, I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on all countries that have been sending dangerous individuals and those exploiting our system.

Noem emphasized, Our nation was built on the dedication and sacrifices of our forefathers, not for foreign threats to harm our service members, drain taxpayer resources, or claim benefits meant for Americans. We do not want them, not one.

The recommendation comes after the fatal shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last Wednesday. In response, the Trump administration has tightened immigration policies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily halted processing immigration applications from Afghan nationals.

The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan who entered the U.S. in 2021 through a program for those who assisted American forces during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, while U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in serious condition, showing some positive signs, according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow added that, following presidential direction, his agency is reviewing green card holders from 19 specified countries. A June White House memo previously limited immigration from Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that the complete list of countries affected by Noems proposed travel ban will be released soon. When contacted, the White House redirected inquiries to DHS.

Author: Sophia Brooks