Trump's Sweeping Travel Ban Targets 43 Nations Amid Global Tensions

[Social Media]

 

Donald Trump is set to impose a sweeping travel ban on individuals from 43 countries, with Russia facing sharp restrictions on visas. The move, outlined in a dramatic memo, also places key Moscow allies under heavy sanctions, including Belarus, whose citizens may find it increasingly difficult to travel to the United States, according to reports from *The New York Times*.  

 

This latest immigration policy proposal comes as Trump navigates the delicate balance of ceasefire negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. As tensions mount, Trump warned that failure to broker peace could lead to a catastrophic global conflict, stating, "World War III could very easily erupt if peace talks fail."  

 

The list of countries that could be banned in full: 
All travel banned:

Afghanistan

Bhutan

Cuba

Iran

Libya

North Korea

Somalia

Sudan

Syria

Venezuela

Yemen

Visas sharply restricted:

Belarus

Eritrea

Haiti

Laos

Myanmar

Pakistan

Russia

Sierra Leone

South Sudan

Turkmenistan

Countries have 60 days to address concerns:

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cambodia

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo

Dominica

Equatorial Guinea

Gambia

Liberia

Malawi

Mali

Mauritania

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia

São Tomé and Príncipe

Vanuatu

Zimbabwe

 

The memo details three separate categories of travel restrictions, ranging from full visa suspensions to partial bans. The most severe measures target 11 countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea, which would face complete suspensions. A second group of 10 countries would see partial restrictions affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas, with some exceptions. The third and largest group consists of 22 nations that have been given 60 days to rectify security deficiencies or risk inclusion in the ban.  

 

A U.S. official indicated that the list remains subject to change and is pending approval by key administration figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The policy evokes memories of Trump’s controversial "Muslim ban" during his first term, with several of the same countries appearing on the current list. However, many new additions share characteristics with previous targets, as they are predominantly Muslim-majority or nonwhite, economically disadvantaged, and perceived as corrupt.  

 

One particularly surprising inclusion is Bhutan, a peaceful Buddhist and Hindu nation nestled between China and India—neither of which appear on the list. Critics argue that crime rates in Bhutan are low and question the justification for its inclusion.  

 

Trump's executive order, issued on January 20, mandates enhanced security screenings for foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. The directive requires several cabinet officials to submit a list of countries deemed to have inadequate vetting and screening processes by March 21. According to the order, countries failing to meet these standards will face either partial or full travel suspensions.  

 

This initiative is a continuation of Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown, a cornerstone of his second-term agenda. In an October 2023 speech, he previewed plans to restrict entry from regions deemed security threats, including the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. The State Department reportedly compiled the list weeks ago, with input from embassies and regional bureaus on whether the policy is grounded in factual security concerns or political considerations.  

 

The proposed measures may still allow wealthy individuals and certain travelers on the "orange" list—where visas are restricted—to enter the U.S. However, they would be required to undergo in-person interviews before obtaining travel approval. It remains unclear whether existing visa holders or green card residents would be exempt from the ban.  

 

Among the reasons cited for imposing restrictions are weak passport security, insufficient information sharing on travelers, and the sale of citizenships to individuals from already-banned countries. Nations failing to address these concerns within 60 days risk being moved to more severe categories of restriction.  

 

The State Department has yet to comment on the policy. Meanwhile, Trump continues to escalate global tensions with his stark warnings about the potential for war. Speaking to the Justice Department, he cautioned, "I think we have it, I think we have it, but this could lead to World War III, very easily, could very easily lead to World War III."  

 

He further emphasized the risks of nuclear conflict, adding, "That was heading into World War III territory. That would've been a war like no other because of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons that you don’t even want to know about."

 

Trump insisted that much of the progress toward peace had been achieved since he took office and revealed ongoing discussions with Putin. "I think we're doing well with Russia. We're speaking with President Putin. We want to get the war over," he stated.  

 

As the world watches, the fate of millions hangs in the balance. If these policies are implemented, they could redefine U.S. immigration strategy and deepen geopolitical divisions at a critical moment in global affairs.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail  2025-03-17

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Thailand missed out!

[Bkk Brian]

1 minute ago, JimHuaHin said:

Thailand missed out!

Yea but Thailand got specific officials visas suspended

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-sanction-thai-officials-over-deportation-uyghurs-china-2025-03-14/

[Dionigi]

It was probably the boo in Bhutan that frightened him

[bendejo]

Let freedom ring!

 

[blazes]

1 hour ago, JimHuaHin said:

Thailand missed out!

 

Their envelopes were not fat enough.....

[Eric Loh]

Theatrics with no real strategic value. Keep throwing diversions from the important matters like ending the Ukraine war and the domestic economy. 

[Stargeezr]

I am happy that I will not be going to the USA for at least 4 years.

I just hope that Trump is not in power after that.

  Will we all last that long?   I   wonder.

[simple1]

3 hours ago, Dionigi said:

It was probably the boo in Bhutan that frightened him

 

Right, what's that about?

[SLOWHAND225]

Good.

This is long overdue.

[Yagoda]

3 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Theatrics with no real strategic value. Keep throwing diversions from the important matters like ending the Ukraine war and the domestic economy. 

One cannot have a nation without borders. The American people support keeping dodgy folks out.

 

Dodgy folks arent welcome.

 

Sounds like a bunch of you when the topic is Russians in Phuket or Israelis in Pai

[transam]

1 minute ago, Yagoda said:

One cannot have a nation without borders. The American people support keeping dodgy folks out.

 

Dodgy folks arent welcome.

 

Sounds like a bunch of you when the topic is Russians in Phuket or Israelis in Pai

Am I right that you are saying Russia should stay out of Ukraine's borders.......?  🤔

[Asean Tiger]

4 hours ago, Dionigi said:

It was probably the boo in Bhutan that frightened him

Donald Trump to ban Bhutanese rom entering U.S; citizens in Buddhist nation in shock as reasons not clear

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/donald-trump-to-ban-people-from-bhutan-touted-as-one-of-the-happiest-countries-in-the-world-from-entering-u-s-citizens-in-buddhist-nation-in-shock-as-reasons-not-clear/articleshow/119051670.cms

 

Very strange news.

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

One cannot have a nation without borders. The American people support keeping dodgy folks out.

 

Dodgy folks arent welcome.

 

Sounds like a bunch of you when the topic is Russians in Phuket or Israelis in Pai

US has one of the toughest vetting process in the world and the percentage of approved entries are very low compare to other developed countries. This is just performative theatrics and diversion. 

[Yagoda]

40 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

US has one of the toughest vetting process in the world and the percentage of approved entries are very low compare to other developed countries. This is just performative theatrics and diversion. 

It's not for you to decide though is it, because you're not an American. I'm an American and I don't find it performative. I don't want anybody from, for example,  Syria in America. I don't want anybody in my country that's coming from a country where they don't vet properly.

 

My rights, not yours.