The Trump administration is reportedly considering implementing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries as part of a proposed travel ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The internal memo outlines three distinct groups of countries facing varying levels of visa restrictions. In the first group, a total of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, are listed for a full visa suspension. This would effectively block all citizens from these nations from obtaining visas for travel to the United States. The second group includes five nations — Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan — which would face partial suspensions. These restrictions would primarily affect tourist and student visas, along with some immigrant visa types, although some exceptions would apply.
 

The third and largest group comprises 26 countries, including Pakistan, Bhutan, and Myanmar. These nations are at risk of facing partial US visa suspensions if their governments fail to address security and screening deficiencies within 60 days, as outlined in the memo. A US official, speaking anonymously, noted that the list is subject to change and is yet to receive formal approval from the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The proposed policy mirrors the controversial travel ban President Donald Trump introduced during his first term, which targeted seven majority-Muslim countries and was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
 

The latest travel ban proposal follows Trump's recent executive order, signed on January 20, which demands intensified security vetting for all foreign nationals seeking admission to the United States. This order instructed key cabinet members to submit a list of countries by March 21 for potential visa suspensions, citing insufficient vetting and security concerns. This move is part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown launched at the start of his second term. In an October 2023 campaign speech, Trump previewed his plans to restrict immigration from regions he identified as security risks, including the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other high-risk areas. While the US State Department has yet to comment on the reported memo, the proposed travel ban is already sparking debate. Critics argue that the move unfairly targets specific countries, while supporters view it as a necessary step to bolster national security. As the proposal awaits official approval, the potential impact on international travel, education, and business ties remains a key concern for affected nations and global communities.