As Donald Trump prepares to update the US travel ban ‘red list,’ many individuals and countries could face new entry restrictions.
Former President Donald Trump is considering bringing back his travel ban, which stirred significant controversy during his first term.
This potential move could impact many people seeking to enter the United States.
What is the background of the travel ban?
The original travel ban was first introduced in 2017.
It aimed to prevent individuals from specific countries from entering the U.S.
Critics labeled it a “Muslim ban” because many countries on the list had predominantly Muslim populations.
After facing legal challenges, the ban underwent several changes before it was finally rescinded by President Joe Biden in January 2021.
Donald Trump is set to expand restrictions
With Trump back in the spotlight, reports suggest he is preparing a new travel ban list.
On the day of his second inauguration earlier this year, Trump instructed the U.S. State Department to review countries lacking sufficient vetting and screening processes for travelers.
This review could lead to a partial or complete suspension of entry for nationals from those countries.
List of those could be affected by US travel ban
One country expected to be included in the new travel ban is Afghanistan.
Organizations working to evacuate Afghans have warned individuals with valid U.S. visas to make travel arrangements as soon as possible.
There are concerns that the travel ban could be announced soon, potentially affecting both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Previous countries on the US travel ban
The New York Times reports that other countries previously subject to Trump’s travel ban could also be reconsidered.
These nations include Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.
While it remains uncertain whether these countries will return to the list, individuals from these regions have been cautioned about the possibility of facing restrictions again.
Different levels of travel restrictions
Stricter visa rules for orange list countries
The potential new travel ban may include multiple tiers of restrictions.
In addition to a “red list” that would outright ban entry from certain countries, there may also be an “orange list.”
The orange list would limit visa applications without a complete ban.
For countries on this list, applicants may face stricter scrutiny, including in-person interviews.
The yellow tier for visa issues
There might be a third “yellow” tier for countries that need to address specific problems with their visa processes.
If these countries do not resolve the issues within 60 days, they could be moved to a more restrictive list.
This tiered approach aims to ensure that countries improve their vetting processes for U.S. entry.
If Trump proceeds with his plans to revive the travel ban, legal challenges are expected.
Previous bans faced numerous lawsuits, and many organizations are ready to fight against any new restrictions.
Legal experts point out that the courts may scrutinize any new policies, especially if they appear to target specific groups unfairly.
Public reaction to potential changes
The news of a possible travel ban revival has sparked mixed reactions among the public and lawmakers.
Many civil rights advocates argue that such measures are discriminatory and counterproductive.
They believe that the focus should be on improving security without targeting specific nationalities or religions.
One user said: Can’t think of anywhere I want to go less than the states at the moment
The second user commented: I‘m sad for the people who ‘made’ him the President ‘ of the USA. He’s about to ruin all of them, and many more.
Poverty is about to ruin a lot of the people who voted him in. Can only Pray to GET HIM OUT !!!
The third user wrote: No one wants to come here now because of him. He has made enemies around the world.
We are in fights with multiple countries that used to be our allies. Can’t wait to see his racist red list.
The fourth user said: I can’t imagine there’s much of a queue to go there at the moment and probably not for at least the next 4 years.
Another user added: I don’t mind being added to the list to see me through until sanity returns to both the White House, and the USA itself.
Someone said: But he’ll give you citizenship for 5 million.