President Trump is pushing to extend America’s travel ban to as many as 30 countries, a sharp expansion prompted by last week’s fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
The revised restrictions build on a ban enacted in June that already barred or limited immigration and entry from 19 mostly non-European countries. Government officials say the expansion aims to tighten vetting and reduce perceived security risks linked to unstable origin states.
Under the proposed plan, new countries may be added to the list of restricted nations, though the full roster has not yet been made public. In addition to halting visa issuances, the administration has suspended pending immigration applications — including asylum and green-card requests — from affected countries.
White House and Homeland Security officials argue the policy is a necessary response to recent violence involving a foreign national, saying it is meant to safeguard public safety and restore confidence in the immigration system.
As the expanded ban takes shape, immigrant-rights advocates and legal observers warn it may broadly penalize entire populations and undermine due-process for asylum seekers, even those with legitimate claims.