Trump administration plans to expand travel ban to 36 more countries

The US President Donald Trump administration is reportedly considering a major expansion of its travel ban, with a proposal to block citizens from 36 additional countries from entering the United States, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters.

The potential move follows a recent proclamation signed by Trump earlier this month that barred entry to nationals from 12 countries. The White House cited concerns over “foreign terrorists” and national security threats as justification for the directive.

The proposed expansion is part of a broader immigration crackdown launched by Trump at the start of his second term. Measures already implemented include the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans—suspected of gang affiliations—to El Salvador, as well as restrictions on foreign student enrollment and targeted deportations of international students already in the US

An internal diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined specific security and compliance concerns related to the 36 countries under review. The document called for those nations to take “corrective action” within a 60-day period to avoid travel restrictions.

“The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days,” the cable stated.

The proposed measures reflect Trump’s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration rules and prioritize domestic security, marking a continued shift in US policy under his renewed presidency.