Draft Travel Ban Proposal Targets Citizens from 43 Countries

The Trump administration is proposing a travel ban that could affect citizens from 43 countries, with a ‘red’ list of 11 countries facing outright bans and an ‘orange’ list of 10 with restricted access. Reviews by officials are ongoing, with potential changes anticipated before the proposal reaches the White House.

The Trump administration is currently considering a travel ban targeting citizens from up to 43 countries, a move that would surpass previous restrictions enacted during his initial term. A draft list formulated by diplomatic and security personnel categorizes these countries into tiers based on the level of restriction proposed for their citizens entering the United States.

The first tier on the so-called “red” list includes 11 countries—the citizens of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen—who would face an outright ban on entry. This draft was initially prepared by the State Department several weeks prior, and revisions are anticipated before it is finalized by the White House.

In addition to the “red” list, there exists an “orange” list comprising 10 countries that would impose travel restrictions but not a total ban. Citizens from these nations could still be permitted entry under specific circumstances, such as affluent business travelers, while individuals holding immigrant or tourist visas would be prohibited from entering, according to anonymous officials involved in the discussions.

State Department officials, including embassy staff and security experts from other intelligence agencies, are actively reviewing the proposal. They have been tasked with evaluating whether the reasons for inclusion are valid or if any adjustments should be made to maintain important diplomatic relationships that are critical in other policy areas.

In summary, the Trump administration is contemplating a significant travel ban affecting citizens from 43 countries, categorized into ‘red’ and ‘orange’ lists. The draft list proposes a total entry ban for certain nations, while restricting travel for others. Ongoing reviews by officials will likely yield changes prior to finalization, underscoring the sensitive nature of these deliberations.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com