Noem says Trump administration to extend travel ban to over 30 countries

WASHINGTON The U.S. government under President Trump is preparing to broaden its travel restrictions to include citizens from more than 30 countries, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced. This measure follows a recent incident in which an Afghan man allegedly shot two National Guard members.

The proposed expansion will extend an earlier travel ban issued in June, which barred entry to the U.S. for citizens from 12 nations and limited access for individuals from seven additional countries. Noem hinted via social media earlier this week that the list of affected countries would grow.

In a Thursday interview with Fox News Laura Ingraham, Noem declined to reveal specific details, stating that President Trump is still determining which nations will be included. The administration had already tightened travel restrictions for 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Haiti, following the National Guard shooting.

Addressing questions about whether the ban would cover 32 countries, Noem responded, I wont be specific on the number, but its over 30. The president continues to review countries. If a nation lacks stable governance or cannot properly identify and vet its citizens, why should we allow entry to the United States?

The Department of Homeland Security has not provided a timeline for when the expanded restrictions will take effect or which countries will be added.

The new additions to the travel ban mark part of a broader set of immigration measures implemented in response to the Thanksgiving week shooting of two National Guard members in Washington. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant, has been charged with first-degree murder after one of the victims, West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, died. The second victim, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was seriously injured. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty.

The Trump administration emphasizes the need for stricter vetting to ensure that individuals entering the U.S. do not pose a security risk. Opponents argue that these measures unfairly penalize people who have already undergone extensive background checks.

In recent days, immigration authorities have suspended asylum rulings, paused processing of benefits for individuals from the original 19 restricted countries, and temporarily halted visas for Afghans who assisted U.S. military efforts. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a reduction in the validity period for certain work permits, including those for refugees and asylum seekers, requiring more frequent reapplications and security checks.

Author: Logan Reeves