Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): The Trump administration is reportedly considering imposing extensive travel restrictions on citizens from a range of countries, with plans to issue a new visa ban.
According to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo obtained by international media outlet Reuters, Pakistan is among the nations that could face a partial suspension of visa issuance.
This would occur unless their governments take action to address perceived security shortcomings within the next 60 days. The memo identifies a total of 41 countries, split into three categories.
In the first category, countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea would face a complete suspension of visas.
The second group includes Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, which would face partial suspensions that would impact tourist, student, and some immigrant visas, though certain exceptions may apply.
The third group, which includes 26 countries such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, would face a conditional partial suspension, contingent upon their governments making improvements in addressing security deficiencies within the specified 60-day period.
While the list is not finalized, with potential adjustments still possible, it has not yet been officially approved by the administration. Among those involved in the review process is US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The proposal brings to mind Trump’s initial travel ban during his first term, which targeted travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. The policy underwent multiple revisions before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
This new initiative follows an executive order issued by Trump on January 20, which mandates more thorough security vetting for foreigners seeking to enter the US, aimed at identifying national security risks.
The order also called for cabinet members to submit by March 21 a list of countries from which travel should be suspended, citing deficiencies in their vetting and screening systems.
Trump's broader immigration strategy, which he outlined in an October 2023 speech, includes restrictions on citizens from regions like Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other areas deemed threats to US security.
As per the reports, the State Department has not yet commented on the matter.
