US to expand travel ban to over 30 countries, says Homeland Security Secretary

The United States is preparing to broaden its travel restrictions to include more than 30 countries, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Thursday. In an interview with Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Noem was asked whether President Donald Trump’s administration would increase the number of countries under the travel ban to 32. “I won't be specific on the number, but it's over 30, and the president is continuing to evaluate countries,” she said.

In June, President Trump signed a proclamation banning citizens from 12 countries and placing restrictions on travelers from seven others. The order cited national security concerns, stating the measure was necessary to protect against “foreign terrorists” and other threats. The bans cover both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business visitors.

Noem did not reveal which countries might be added but said the administration was assessing nations’ stability and ability to share information about their citizens. “If they don't have a stable government there, if they don't have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?” she said.


Earlier, Reuters reported that the administration was considering adding citizens from 36 more countries to the list, according to a State Department cable. The possible expansion follows recent security incidents, including the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last week. Authorities said the suspect, an Afghan national, entered the U.S. in 2021 through a resettlement program that officials now say lacked sufficient screening.

Following the incident, President Trump announced a plan to “permanently pause” migration from what he called “Third World Countries,” though he did not specify which nations that term referred to. Homeland Security officials also confirmed that Trump had ordered a review of asylum cases approved under the previous Biden administration and of Green Cards issued to citizens from 19 countries.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has prioritized stricter immigration controls. His administration has deployed federal agents to major cities, limited asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border, and expanded deportation operations. The latest move signals a growing focus on reshaping the legal immigration system alongside enforcement actions.