Trump Considers Expanding U.S. Travel Ban to 36 Additional Countries

Former President Donald Trump, currently leading the Republican presidential ticket for the 2024 election, is reportedly considering a substantial expansion to the U.S. travel ban if he returns to office. According to multiple insider reports, Trump is evaluating the addition of 36 new countries to the controversial list first introduced in 2017, signaling a dramatic intensification of his immigration and national security agenda.

While the names of the countries under review remain classified, insiders say the list predominantly includes nations from Africa, Central Asia, and the Caribbean, with some from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The administration-in-waiting argues this policy is a response to perceived national security risks, failures in document verification, and non-compliance with U.S. repatriation agreements.

A Familiar Strategy, Renewed Ambitions

Trump’s travel ban has long been one of his most polarizing policy decisions. Initially rolled out via Executive Order 13769 in January 2017, the original measure barred entry for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. After a series of legal challenges, revisions, and fierce public debate, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately upheld a narrower version of the ban in 2018.

Now, Trump appears ready to not only reinstate the ban but expand it significantly. Speaking at a rally in Arizona last month, he said, “We need to make sure America is safe. We’re going to have the toughest border and immigration policies the world has ever seen.”

Behind closed doors, sources say a new task force—led by Trump-aligned figures from the State and Homeland Security departments—is developing a framework that uses data on overstay rates, security cooperation, and biometric verification systems to determine which countries may be added.

National Security or Political Posturing?

Supporters of the policy claim it is essential for national security. Jason Miller, a senior advisor to Trump’s campaign, defended the potential expansion. “These countries either don’t verify identity properly, refuse to take back their nationals after deportation orders, or harbor extremist ideologies. We can’t afford to play nice with weak links in a global chain of safety,” he said.

Critics, however, argue that this is nothing more than a politically motivated maneuver aimed at energizing Trump’s base. Immigration attorney Fatima Choudhury calls the proposed move “a blanket act of discrimination” disguised as a security policy. “If the concern is individual threats, we already have a robust vetting system. Banning entire nationalities is a lazy and unjust approach,” she said.

The 36 Countries Under Scrutiny

Although no official list has been released, reports suggest that the 36 countries being considered span several continents. Tentative mentions include:

• Africa: Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe

• Caribbean & Central America: Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras, and Belize

• Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, and Cambodia

• Middle East & North Africa: Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Algeria

• Pacific Islands: Fiji and Solomon Islands

The common thread appears to be either weak governmental institutions or poor cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities.

A former State Department official speaking on condition of anonymity noted, “Many of these nations have not complied with repatriation protocols or have been flagged for unreliable identity documents. But let’s be clear: this is also a political document. Some inclusions seem more strategic than procedural.”

International Fallout Likely

If enacted, the proposed travel ban expansion could have serious international consequences. In the past, countries affected by U.S. travel restrictions have responded with diplomatic protests, reciprocal visa rules, or economic retaliation.

Nigeria, previously added to a limited ban in 2020, responded by suspending certain bilateral military programs with the U.S. Experts fear similar backlash now, especially if populous or geopolitically strategic nations like Pakistan or Egypt are targeted.

“This isn’t just about stopping a few travelers,” said Dr. Nadia Kassem, professor of international relations at Georgetown University. “This affects education, business, and family reunification. When you restrict movement from entire countries, you send a signal that reverberates beyond airports—it strains alliances.”

Legal and Logistical Hurdles

Should Trump win reelection and pursue the expansion, legal challenges are almost certain. Civil rights organizations such as the ACLU and CAIR have already pledged to oppose any broad travel bans that appear discriminatory.

Moreover, logistical execution poses its own challenges. The Department of Homeland Security would have to reprogram visa systems, train staff, issue notices to embassies, and coordinate with foreign governments. The timeline for such an operation could span months or even years, particularly if diplomatic negotiations are required.

But Trump allies are unbothered. “We’re not going to ask permission to protect Americans,” said Stephen Miller, former White House adviser and one of the architects of the original travel ban. “The will of the people is behind us.”

A Defining 2024 Election Issue?

With immigration already one of the hottest issues in the 2024 election, the proposed expansion of the travel ban is poised to be a key point of contention. For some voters, it reflects strength and control. For others, it’s a dangerous slide toward xenophobia and isolationism.

Democratic nominee and incumbent President Joe Biden has vowed to reverse any such policy if reelected. “We are a nation of immigrants and laws, not fear and division,” Biden said during a recent speech in Michigan. “Blanket bans don’t keep us safe—they just keep us apart.”

As the campaign season intensifies, the fate of the proposed expansion may hinge not on policy arguments or legal strategy—but on the outcome of a single, monumental election.