Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring a major expansion of the travel ban policy to include 36 new countries, according to a leaked memo reviewed by The Washington Post.
The proposal comes as part of Trump's broader plan to impose stricter immigration controls if re-elected.
The draft policy includes several US allies, as well as a large number of African, Caribbean, Asian, and Oceanian nations. Countries named include Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Cambodia, and several small island states.
The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, gives targeted nations just 60 days to comply with new US Department of State standards or face potential visa and travel restrictions.
Concerns raised include inadequate identity documentation systems, non-compliance with visa rules, and failure to repatriate deportees.
However, the draft policy allows for possible exemptions if countries demonstrate readiness to cooperate with US repatriation demands or improve information-sharing practices.
If enacted, this would represent one of the largest travel ban expansions in US history, reinforcing Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.
The State Department has not commented on the deliberations but confirmed that policy reviews remain ongoing to ensure national security and compliance with US immigration laws.
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