The U.S. administration is considering new travel bans for 43 countries, including a full entry ban for 11, and restrictions on visa processing for nations like Afghanistan, Iran, and Myanmar. A list has been drafted by the State Department and is to be revised before submission to the White House.
The United States administration, under President Donald Trump, is considering implementing new travel restrictions that could affect 43 countries, including a halt on processing visa applications from nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria, as reported by U.S. media. The New York Times indicates that U.S. diplomatic and security officials have generated a categorized list of targeted countries subject to varying degrees of travel bans.
The proposed regulations include a comprehensive ban on entry for 11 countries, which consist of Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Additionally, nationals from Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and Pakistan would be restricted from obtaining immigrant or tourist visas.
Travelers hailing from Angola, Benin, or Cambodia could also face restrictions if their governments do not meet U.S. standards for improvement within a set timeframe of 60 days. This list was reportedly prepared by the State Department weeks prior and is subject to modifications before it is presented to the White House, as per anonymous sources.
Following his inauguration on January 20, President Trump issued an executive order mandating the State Department to compile this list within 60 days, focusing on countries with significant deficiencies in vetting and screening processes that could justify partial or complete suspension of admissions from their nationals.
In summary, the United States government is contemplating new travel bans impacting 43 countries, particularly those with significant security concerns or insufficient vetting procedures. The proposed bans fluctuate in severity, with full entry prohibitions for certain nations, while others may face visa denials. The implementation of these measures is contingent upon the ongoing enhancement of practices in several nations and the final approval from the White House following the necessary adjustments.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
