Washington: The Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries. A classified memo outlines plans for visa suspensiaons based on security and screening concerns. Pakistan is among the nations that could face partial suspension if it fails to address deficiencies within 60 days.
The memo divides the 41 countries into three separate groups. The first group includes 10 nations, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea. These countries face a complete suspension of US visa issuance.
The second group consists of Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan. These nations could see partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas, with some exceptions.
The third group includes 26 countries, including Pakistan, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. These nations risk partial visa restrictions if they do not improve their security and screening procedures within two months.
Trump’s New Immigration Crackdown
President Trump issued an executive order on January 20, demanding stricter security checks for foreign nationals entering the US. The order requires officials to assess which countries provide inadequate screening. By March 21, they must submit a final list recommending full or partial suspensions.
This move echoes Trump’s first-term travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations. That policy, which faced multiple legal challenges, was eventually upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
Read: Missing Wheel from PIA Flight 306 Found at Karachi Airport
Potential Changes Before Implementation
A US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the list is not final. It still requires approval from the administration, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The New York Times first reported on the internal memo. The State Department has not yet issued a formal response.
Trump had previously announced his immigration plan in October 2023. He vowed to restrict travel from regions like Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other areas deemed security threats. His second-term immigration policies aim to enforce stricter entry requirements for foreign nationals.
The situation remains fluid, and affected countries may negotiate changes before the final list is approved.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
