Karmactive Staff
The Trump administration is considering a sweeping new travel ban targeting citizens from 43 countries, according to internal documents and officials familiar with the matter. This proposal would significantly expand restrictions beyond those implemented during President Trump’s first term.
Three-Tier Approach
The draft proposal divides countries into three categories:
- Red List: Citizens from 11 countries would face complete visa suspensions, including Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba.
- Orange List: Travelers from 10 countries including Russia, Pakistan, and Haiti would face partial restrictions and mandatory in-person interviews.
- Yellow List: 22 countries have been given 60 days to address “deficiencies” in their vetting procedures or face stricter measures.
National Security Justification
The initiative stems from President Trump’s January 20 executive order requiring the State Department to identify countries “for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension” of entry to the United States.
“The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans,” stated Trump in the executive order.
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Impact on Afghan Allies
The ban would severely affect thousands of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the war. According to government documents, more than 40,000 Afghans who have been vetted and approved to enter the U.S. are now in limbo.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) expressed concern: “I’ve heard countless horror stories of torture and murder of these allies of the United States. I would urge the administration to honor the commitment that we made to them.”
Humanitarian Concerns
The expanded ban comes at a time when more than 10,000 Afghan families remain separated following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac. Many children are separated from parents, including approximately 2,800 unaccompanied refugee minors who made it to the U.S. while their parents did not.
Until recently, the CARE program (Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts) had facilitated travel for nearly 200,000 Afghans. However, federal funding has been frozen for programs providing travel for already-approved Afghans.
Legal Context
During Trump’s first term, courts initially blocked the first two versions of his travel ban before the Supreme Court eventually permitted the third rewritten version to take effect. The original ban primarily targeted Muslim-majority countries and was revoked by President Biden in January 2021, who called it “a stain on our national conscience.”
What’s Next
The State Department is currently reviewing the draft list, with potential changes likely before it reaches the White House. The executive order gave officials 60 days from January 20 to complete their assessment, making the report due by March 21.
Officials caution that the list was developed several weeks ago and could be modified based on diplomatic considerations and security assessments.
FAQ
What countries are included in the proposed Red List for the travel ban?
According to draft documents, the Red List includes 11 countries that would face complete visa suspensions: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
How does the new travel ban differ from Trump’s first-term ban?
The new ban is significantly broader, targeting citizens from as many as 43 countries across three tiers (Red, Orange, and Yellow lists), compared to the original ban which primarily focused on seven Muslim-majority nations. The new proposal includes countries that weren’t part of the previous ban.
What will happen to Afghans who helped U.S. forces?
More than 40,000 Afghans who have been vetted and approved to enter the U.S. are currently in limbo. Federal funding has been frozen for programs that were providing travel for already-approved Afghans, meaning they cannot leave Afghanistan unless they pay for the trip themselves.
What is the CARE program?
CARE (Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts) is a State Department program established to help Afghan wartime allies immigrate to the U.S. Since 2021, it had facilitated travel for nearly 200,000 Afghans, including those with special immigrant visas and their family members.
What is the timeline for implementing this travel ban?
The State Department was given 60 days from January 20 (when Trump signed the executive order) to complete a report identifying countries with deficient vetting procedures. That report is due by March 21. The final list could still change before implementation.
What happens to people who already have visas or green cards?
It’s currently unclear whether people with existing visas would be exempted from the ban or if their visas would be canceled. It’s also uncertain whether existing green card holders would be exempted. The administration recently canceled the green card of a Syrian-born former Columbia University student, suggesting some permanent residents may be affected.
