Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
The Trump administration has issued a stern ultimatum to 36 countries, most of them in Africa, warning that their citizens could soon be barred from entering the United States unless governments commit to tougher travel vetting and repatriation cooperation.
According to a diplomatic cable sent by the State Department over the weekend, countries have until Wednesday to express their willingness to strengthen travel documentation standards and address the legal status of their nationals residing unlawfully in the U.S. Failure to do so could result in their inclusion on an expanded travel ban list, the cable warns.
Of the 36 countries notified, 25 are in Africa, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Ghana — all historically seen as U.S. allies. The cable gives these nations 60 days to begin addressing American concerns or face restrictions on new visas, similar to those already imposed on 12 countries.
An Expansion of Trump’s Immigration Agenda
This latest effort is part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration and visa overstays. The administration argues that deficient vetting processes and refusals to accept deported nationals pose a national security risk.
“We’re looking at providing a period of time … to convince us that we can trust the process and the information,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
While Bruce declined to discuss the contents of the cable, she confirmed the administration’s intent to pressure foreign governments to bolster their security and documentation procedures.
Countries at Risk of Ban
The list of countries facing possible sanctions includes both friendly and strategic partners. Egypt and Djibouti — which maintain military ties with the U.S. — are among them, as are Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia, longstanding allies in Africa.
Notably, Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, both left off earlier travel bans, now appear on the warning list. Countries in the Caribbean and Asia, including Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, and Kyrgyzstan, are also named.
The full list includes:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
New Visa Ban Already in Place for 12 Nations
Earlier this month, Trump signed a proclamation restricting new visa issuance to citizens from 12 countries, including Iran, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, and Haiti. Existing visas remain valid, but no new ones will be issued for most categories.
Another seven countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Laos, now face heightened visa scrutiny. The administration says these steps are necessary to deter national security threats and immigration violations.
Pushback and Uncertainty
The policy has drawn international condemnation, particularly from African governments and resettlement groups who say the measures sow division and risk damaging diplomatic ties.
Several countries have vowed retaliation, while legal and human rights organizations argue the new restrictions disproportionately affect low-income nations and communities with little history of terrorism.
It remains unclear how the administration will respond if a country expresses willingness to cooperate but fails to meet benchmarks within the 60-day window.
