Trump Administration Drafts New Travel Ban Targeting 43 Countries

The Trump administration is considering a new travel ban affecting up to 43 countries. A draft list proposes a ‘red’ list barring entry for citizens of 11 countries and an ‘orange’ list for restricted travel for citizens of an additional 10 countries. The proposal remains subject to change following reviews by various officials.

The Trump administration is deliberating a new travel ban that may involve citizens from up to 43 countries. This approach is reported to be broader than existing restrictions from the previous term. The draft, created by diplomatic and security officials, categorizes countries into three tiers to determine potential travel restrictions for their citizens.

The draft proposal features a “red” list, consisting of 11 countries whose citizens would be completely prohibited from entering the United States. This list includes Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Officials familiar with the discussions warned that this list may evolve before it reaches the White House.

Reviewers from embassies, regional bureaus within the State Department, and security specialists at other governmental agencies are currently evaluating the draft. They are providing feedback on the accuracy of the deficiencies cited for each country and considering whether there are diplomatic reasons that might necessitate the retention or exclusion of certain nations from the list.

Additionally, the draft encompasses an “orange” list of 10 countries, where travel restrictions would be applied though complete bans would not be instituted. In these cases, affluent business travelers may still be permitted entry, while access for those on immigrant or tourist visas may be curtailed.

In summary, the Trump administration is contemplating a new, expansive travel ban that targets up to 43 countries, with proposed categorizations into ‘red’ and ‘orange’ lists. The deliberations emphasize the complexity and sensitivity of maintaining diplomatic relations while addressing national security concerns, prompting extensive reviews and adjustments to the proposed list before final decisions are made.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com