Washington: The United States government is preparing to expand its travel restrictions to include more than 30 countries, according to comments made by Vice President Kristi Noem in an interview with Fox News. The announcement marks one of the most sweeping immigration control measures proposed during the current administration.
Noem did not reveal the names of the additional countries or the exact number that will be added but confirmed that the list will grow beyond thirty. She said the decision is linked to increased national security concerns and recent incidents that raised questions about America’s current visa screening systems. She added that the government is studying each country separately before finalizing the updated list.
The United States had already imposed full bans on 12 countries earlier this year and limited travel and immigration from seven others. After a shooting in Washington involving an Afghan national who entered through a resettlement route, the administration also paused visa processing and immigration paperwork from 19 nations already under review.
Officials say the expanded restrictions are part of a wider effort to tighten immigration rules and strengthen vetting systems for individuals coming from conflict zones or countries with what the White House describes as weak security controls. Noem said the administration wants to avoid what she called preventable threats.
The move has sparked debate at home and abroad. Supporters argue that national security must be the first priority and say current systems are no longer sufficient. Critics, including civil rights groups and immigration lawyers, warn that such a broad ban may unfairly target certain regions and could lead to legal battles similar to previous travel ban challenges in US courts.
Several media outlets have reported that the final list could include countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. However, no official document has been released and the White House has not confirmed any specific additions. The State Department has also declined to provide a timeline for when the expanded list will be made public.
Beyond the travel ban, the government has also ordered reviews of asylum approvals, green card applications and visas issued to citizens from the affected countries over the past four years. Immigration offices have slowed processing and paused some categories while the review continues.
International reactions are expected once the final list is released. Some diplomats have already described the plan as a major shift in United States foreign policy and migration management.
For now, many families, students and workers waiting for visa decisions remain uncertain about their future. The government has said more information will be shared after the vetting review is complete, but no date has been given.