The Trump administration is revisiting travel restrictions aimed at up to 43 countries, with a draft listing a “red” ban on 11 nations and an “orange” category restricting entry for 10 others. The proposal reflects ongoing reviews by State Department officials and security experts, seeking to balance security concerns with diplomatic relations.
The Trump administration is contemplating a new travel ban affecting citizens from up to 43 countries, a move that would extend beyond earlier restrictions established during his initial term. This information comes from an administration draft outlining three tiers of designated countries.
The document specifies a “red” list, comprising 11 countries whose nationals would face an outright travel prohibition to the United States. These nations include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, according to confidential sources familiar with the discussions.
State Department officials, along with those from regional bureaus and other intelligence agencies, are currently assessing the draft. Their feedback focuses on the accuracy of characterizations regarding each country’s conditions and potential policy implications, such as the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations on critical matters.
Additionally, the draft features an “orange” list of 10 countries where travel would be restricted but not completely severed. In these scenarios, affluent business travelers may still gain entry, while individuals on immigrant or tourist visas would remain barred from entry.
This comprehensive examination includes input from embassy officials and security specialists, suggesting that the initial list may be subject to further adjustments before the final proposal reaches the White House.
In conclusion, the proposed travel restrictions by the Trump administration could significantly impact citizens from numerous countries, with an initial focus on 43 nations. The complexities surrounding diplomatic relations and national security will likely influence final decisions, as feedback from various departments is considered. The separate tiers of travel restrictions illustrate a nuanced approach towards international engagement based on security assessments.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
