Trump Eyes Major Travel Ban Expansion as Tensions Boil
A Bold Move Rekindles a National Debate
Former President Donald Trump is once again making headlines with his aggressive immigration stance—this time by signaling a dramatic expansion of the travel ban. According to reports, his administration is weighing the addition of 36 more countries to the list, in what could become one of the largest restrictions on global mobility in recent U.S. history.
Riots Erupt, Deportations Surge
Since returning to the Oval Office, the 79-year-old president has wasted no time reasserting his controversial agenda. His administration has deported hundreds to countries known for brutal detention practices—some even to infamous prisons. The deployment of ICE officers across Los Angeles has already ignited waves of unrest, with citywide protests escalating into violent confrontations. In response, Trump has authorized military assistance to “restore order” in the nation’s second-largest city.
A New Target: International Students
The crackdown isn’t limited to undocumented immigrants. In a stunning move, Trump recently issued an executive order banning international students from enrolling at Harvard, sparking outrage from academic institutions, civil rights groups, and global allies.
The Travel Ban: A Return to Controversy
Trump’s travel ban was first introduced during his original presidency and later dismantled by Joe Biden. But just last month, he revived it, blocking travelers from 12 countries and imposing restrictions on seven others—all under the banner of national security.
“We must protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump declared, citing a recent violent incident at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado.
“We will not let what happened in Europe happen to America.”
Who’s Currently on the Ban List?
The list spans regions across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East:
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Banned: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
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Restricted: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela
36 Nations Under Review
An internal memo reveals a looming deadline: 36 countries have just 60 days to meet stringent new vetting standards or risk being added to the ban. Countries on the watchlist include:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Who Gets a Pass?
Some categories of travelers may still be granted exemptions, including:
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Religious minorities under threat (e.g., Christians or Baha’is in Iran)
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Athletes competing in U.S. sporting events
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Afghan citizens with Special Immigrant Visas
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U.S. lawful permanent residents
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Dual citizens traveling with a passport from a non-banned country
Looking Ahead
As Trump pushes forward with sweeping immigration changes, the political, social, and global ripple effects are mounting. With protests spreading and international backlash intensifying, the world watches closely as America’s travel gates tighten once again.
