Trump admin mulls new travel ban
Fox News is reporting that there are discussions underway regarding a potential travel ban on more than 40 countries, according to a White House official. The proposed ban would impose severe or total travel restrictions on citizens of certain nations, though no final decisions have been made.
Countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Bhutan, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen are reportedly on the list of nations that could face restrictions under the proposal. These countries would be classified under the “red” level in a color-coded system, as per reports from Reuters and the New York Times.
However, during a State Department briefing, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce clarified that there is no official list in existence. She emphasized that there is an ongoing review process to determine the best measures for ensuring national security while dealing with visa issues.
Other countries like Russia and Pakistan may not face a total ban but could encounter obstacles in obtaining visas, falling under the “orange” level. Additionally, several African nations are being monitored for potential restrictions at the “yellow” level, giving them a window of approximately two months to make necessary changes to avoid more stringent measures.
In the past, the Trump administration faced legal challenges and criticism for a similar executive order targeting predominantly Muslim countries. The current administration maintains that the proposed travel restrictions are not based on religion but on national security concerns.
As discussions continue, criticism is already emerging, with concerns raised about the potential impact on civil liberties and the targeting of peaceful nations like Bhutan. However, the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection have not yet provided official comments on the matter.
Overall, the situation remains fluid, and no final decisions have been reached regarding the implementation of a travel ban on the identified countries. The ongoing review process will likely shape the outcome of any potential restrictions in the future.
