Finally, a third category includes 22 countries that would be given 60 days to improve their security processes; if they fail to do so, they could face similar restrictions.
This proposal comes in the context of an executive order issued on 20 January, which calls for intensified security screening of any foreign national seeking to enter the US, with the goal of detecting potential threats to national security. The order also instructs several cabinet members to submit, by 21 March, a list of countries whose vetting and screening processes are deemed deficient, which could result in partial or total suspension of travel from those nations.
During his first term in 2017, Trump implemented a partial ban affecting travellers from several Muslim-majority nations, a measure that was the subject of multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The current proposal appears to be an expansion of that policy, now covering a larger number of countries and applying broader restrictions.
In addition to travel restrictions, the Trump administration is taking steps to deport undocumented immigrants linked to newly identified criminal networks, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, El Salvador's MS-13 and the Mexican-American 18th Street gang. These actions are part of a broader strategy to strengthen homeland security and combat transnational criminal activity.
The proposed travel restrictions have not yet been officially approved and could be subject to modifications. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior administration officials are expected to review and approve the final list of affected countries in the coming days. In the meantime, the international community and human rights groups have expressed concern about the impact of these measures on diplomatic relations and affected populations.
In response to these possible restrictions, some countries have begun to evaluate their security policies and cooperation with the US in order to avoid being included in the list of nations with travel restrictions. The threat of sanctions has led to internal debates in several nations about the need to improve their vetting and screening systems to meet US standards.
On the other hand, human rights organisations and immigrant advocacy groups have criticised the proposal, arguing that it could encourage discrimination and negatively affect people seeking legitimate opportunities in the US. These groups have urged the administration to reconsider the measures and seek solutions that do not disadvantage entire communities based on nationality.
The implementation of these restrictions could also have economic implications, especially in sectors that rely on foreign labour or tourism from the affected countries. Businesses and chambers of commerce have expressed concern about the potential impact on their operations and the wider economy.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its national security agenda, the international community is closely watching decisions that could redefine migration and travel policies for years to come. The final approval of these restrictions and their effective implementation will be the subject of debate and analysis in diplomatic fora and in global public opinion.
