Plans to Expand US Travel Ban to Over 30 Countries Unveiled by Head of Homeland Security

The United States is preparing to extend its travel restrictions to more than 30 countries, according to Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Speaking on Fox News The Ingraham Angle on Thursday evening, Noem confirmed that the administration is considering increasing the number of nations affected by the ban, but declined to provide a precise figure.

I wont give an exact number, but its over 30, and the president is still reviewing which countries to include, Noem stated.

Earlier this year, a proclamation was signed that barred citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, while imposing restrictions on visitors from seven others. The measure was described as a security step aimed at protecting against potential terrorist threats and other risks. The travel ban affects both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business travelers.

Noem did not reveal which countries might be added to the expanded list, emphasizing the importance of stability and government cooperation in countries from which travelers originate. If a country cannot reliably provide information about its citizens or assist with vetting, why should we allow people from there into the United States? she asked.

Reports from Reuters indicated that officials were considering adding citizens from 36 more countries to the existing restrictions. This expansion comes in the wake of a recent shooting in Washington, D.C., carried out by an Afghan national admitted through a resettlement program, which officials have argued involved insufficient vetting.

Following the incident, the president pledged to permanently pause migration from all third world countries, though no specific nations were named.

The proposed escalation has drawn criticism from immigration advocates and lawmakers, especially regarding plans to freeze immigration applications from 19 countries already subject to restrictions. There are also reports that naturalization ceremonies for individuals from these countries are being postponed. DHS officials confirmed that the administration is conducting a thorough review of asylum approvals under the Biden administration, as well as green cards issued to citizens from these 19 nations.

Author: Sophia Brooks