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US Expands Travel Ban to More Countries
The United States has announced an expansion of its travel ban policy, adding five more countries to the list of nations whose citizens face entry restrictions. The decision was approved by President Donald Trump as part of a broader review of immigration and border security measures, according to officials familiar with the policy.
Five Countries Added to Full Ban List
Under the revised rules, nationals from five additional countries will be subject to a complete suspension of entry into the US. The administration said these countries were identified based on security assessments, deficiencies in identity verification systems, and limited cooperation with US authorities on vetting and deportation procedures. The expanded ban builds on earlier restrictions that already applied to multiple countries.
New Limits on Other Nations
Alongside the full bans, the US has imposed tighter visa conditions on several other countries. These partial restrictions affect specific categories such as tourist, student, and work visas, while exemptions remain in place for diplomats, permanent residents, and certain special cases. Officials clarified that existing visas will not be automatically cancelled, but future applications will face stricter scrutiny.
Government Rationale and Reactions
The administration said the move is aimed at strengthening national security and reducing risks linked to fraudulent documentation and visa overstays. Human rights groups and opposition leaders have criticised the decision, arguing that it unfairly targets certain regions and could disrupt families, education, and business travel.
Broader Immigration Policy Context
The expanded travel ban forms part of a wider tightening of US immigration policy, with further reviews expected in the coming months as authorities reassess global travel and security risks.
