The Trump administration is reportedly finalizing a broader travel ban for citizens of specific countries, building upon the measures implemented during the president's first term. Internal sources indicate that a draft recommendation is circulating within the executive branch, which includes a proposed "red" list of countries from which Mr. Trump could bar entry.
This "red" list would primarily consist of nations whose citizens faced restrictions under previous versions of Mr. Trump’s travel ban, such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Notably, Afghanistan may be added to this list, subjecting its citizens to a complete travel ban.
Shawn VanDiver, a nonprofit leader involved in resettling Afghans who assisted U.S. forces, reported that Afghan citizens would be fully barred from entering the U.S. He urged Afghans with valid visas currently outside the U.S. to return immediately, as the group issued an emergency statement regarding the anticipated ban.
In addition to the "red" category, there is an "orange" group of countries that would face limited access rather than a total ban, possibly restricting visa types available and mandating in-person interviews for applicants. A "yellow" category would allow countries 60 days to address perceived deficiencies or risk being moved to one of the other lists.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on individuals holding existing visas, including green card holders, many of whom are Afghans approved for resettlement. Approximately 200,000 Afghans in their home country and 51,000 abroad are in the pipeline for U.S. entry.
Mr. VanDiver noted that this population is among the most thoroughly vetted, highlighting the frustration expressed by veterans who previously supported Mr. Trump. They are now voicing discontent, feeling that the anticipated ban contradicts earlier commitments to bring wartime allies to safety.
In a related executive order, Mr. Trump instructed the State Department to compile a list of countries for which inadequate vetting warranted a travel ban. This report is expected to be completed in approximately two weeks. The State Department has stated its commitment to national security through its visa process while refraining from commenting on internal discussions.
The draft categorization process is ongoing, with input from security specialists and regional bureaus at the State Department, along with U.S. embassies globally. Previous travel bans initiated by Mr. Trump faced significant backlash, including protests and legal challenges before a revised version was approved by the Supreme Court.
Upon taking office, President Biden rescinded the travel bans, labeling them as fundamentally wrong and harmful to U.S. interests. In outlining the rationale for reinstating such bans, Mr. Trump referenced protecting American citizens from various threats, including terrorism.