Noem: Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban to Over 30 Nations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration plans to expand its travel ban to include citizens from over 30 countries, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced. The move follows a deadly shooting involving a former Afghan national in Washington. Critics argue the broad restrictions punish innocent individuals and increase uncertainty for refugees.
Trump Expands Travel Ban to Over 30 Nations: Quick Looks
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirms expansion of U.S. travel ban
- Over 30 countries now expected to face travel restrictions
- Expansion follows shooting involving Afghan immigrant charged with murder
- June travel ban already affected 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran
- Details on new countries or timing remain undisclosed
- Critics say policy punishes vetted immigrants and refugees
- Asylum processing, work permit durations already restricted in recent actions
- Administration argues unstable governments can’t assist with proper vetting
- Trump evaluating countries that “can’t help verify individuals”
- DHS has not issued official timeline or full country list
Trump Administration to Expand Travel Ban After National Guard Shooting
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is moving to expand its travel ban to include citizens from over 30 countries, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday, as the White House responds to mounting pressure following a deadly shooting involving a former Afghan immigrant.
During an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Noem confirmed the administration’s intent to grow the existing travel ban, which already bars entry from 19 countries — including Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, and Somalia — and places restrictions on seven others. While she declined to name the new additions, she stated the number would rise above 30.
“If they don’t have a stable government… why should we allow people from that country to come here?” Noem said.
The expansion builds upon a June executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which barred travel from certain nations and restricted immigration pathways for others. Now, following the Thanksgiving-week shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, the administration is doubling down on its immigration crackdown.
Fallout from National Guard Shooting Fuels Policy Shift
The policy acceleration comes in response to a violent incident on November 26, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who resettled in the U.S. after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, allegedly shot two service members. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom later died from her injuries, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
The case has fueled political outcry and prompted the administration to take swift action, emphasizing the need for tighter vetting and entry restrictions. Officials say the new ban aims to prevent entry from nations that “cannot reliably verify identities or vet travelers.”
Immigration Measures Intensify Across Agencies
In the days following the shooting, the Trump administration has rolled out a series of policy changes targeting immigrants and refugees from countries already under travel scrutiny:
- Asylum processing has been paused, affecting thousands awaiting legal review
- Immigration benefit processing halted for citizens of the 19 countries on the travel ban list
- Visas for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the war have been temporarily suspended
- Work permit durations for refugees and asylum seekers are being shortened, requiring more frequent renewals and vetting
On Thursday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that refugees and other protected-status individuals will now receive work permits valid for shorter periods — forcing them to reapply and undergo security checks more often.
Critics have denounced the wave of changes, calling them reactionary, punitive, and disproportionate.
Critics Slam Broad Travel Ban as “Collective Punishment”
Immigration and civil rights groups warn that the expanded travel ban could inflict harm on families and communities, especially those who have already gone through extensive vetting and resettlement procedures.
“This administration is traumatizing people who have already risked everything to come here legally and safely,” said a spokesperson for the American Immigration Council. “This is collective punishment disguised as national security.”
Several members of Congress have also voiced concern. They argue the administration is shifting toward a blanket exclusion policy based not on individual behavior, but on geopolitical instability or flawed governance abroad.
DHS Silent on Country List, Timeline
The Department of Homeland Security has not provided a timeline or full list of countries to be included in the expanded ban. Requests for comment on the specific nations or implementation schedule went unanswered.
While Secretary Noem would not confirm Ingraham’s suggestion that 32 countries might be affected, she reaffirmed that President Trump is personally reviewing each case.
“This isn’t about politics — it’s about safety,” Noem said. “We need to know exactly who’s coming into our country.”
As of now, immigration lawyers and policy advocates are bracing for a surge of legal challenges and further disruptions to family reunification and humanitarian protection programs.
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