Homeland Security Secretary Recommends Expanding U.S. Travel Ban List
Recommendation to Expand Travel Ban
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recommended that the Trump administration expand its travel ban list to include between 30 and 32 countries. The recommendation increases the current list, which contains 19 countries. Noem delivered the recommendation to the White House following a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Nationals from countries on the travel ban list face restrictions on travel to the United States. A source stated that the list may continue to expand based on ongoing assessments. It remains unclear which countries may be added or when the changes will be announced.
Connection to Washington, DC Shooting
The recommendation came after a shooting in Washington, DC, that killed one National Guard member and critically wounded another. Authorities identified the shooting suspect as an Afghan national who previously worked with the United States in Afghanistan. The incident prompted additional scrutiny of the current immigration and travel policies.
Statements from Homeland Security Secretary
Noem said she recommended a full travel ban on countries she described as presenting security concerns. She made the remarks on Monday following her meeting with President Trump. Her comments referenced the recent shooting as part of the context for her recommendation.
Current Travel Ban List
The existing list includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. These countries are subject to full or partial travel restrictions. The proposed expansion would increase this number significantly.
Administration Response
The Trump administration has increased its immigration enforcement following the Washington, DC shooting. The president argued that the current immigration system requires an overhaul. The administration linked its renewed focus to the circumstances of the shooting.