Washington D.C., June 16 – The U.S. government under President Donald Trump is once again tightening immigration controls, signaling a significant expansion of entry restrictions targeting citizens from 36 countries. This move aligns with Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, echoing his first-term policies.
According to an internal memorandum signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Washington Post, the Trump administration is considering imposing new travel and visa restrictions on 36 nations. The list includes major U.S. partners such as Egypt and Djibouti, as well as a large number of African nations, several Asian states, Caribbean island nations, and Pacific countries.
60 Days to Comply
The memo, circulated to U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide on June 14, gives the countries 60 days to comply with stricter identity verification and border control standards set by the U.S. Department of State. Countries that fail to meet these new requirements could face partial or full suspension of visa services.
The countries reportedly on the list are accused of lacking effective governance, failing to cooperate on identity documentation, or having a high number of citizens who have overstayed or violated visa conditions in the U.S.
However, there’s a potential path to leniency. The memo notes that if a country agrees to accept third-country nationals being deported by the U.S., it may influence Washington’s decision to ease other concerns.
Who’s on the List?
The 36 countries facing potential restrictions include:
- 25 African countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- 4 Asian countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, and Syria.
- 4 Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.
- 3 Pacific island countries: Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
These countries have until 8 a.m. on June 18 to submit initial action plans demonstrating efforts to comply with the new U.S. requirements.
Policy Context
The State Department has not confirmed whether the restrictions will be enacted immediately after the June 18 deadline. A spokesperson declined to comment on internal policy discussions but reiterated that the department “continually reviews policies to ensure the safety of the American people and compliance with U.S. immigration law.”
The leaked memo surfaces just a week after President Trump reinstated a version of the controversial travel ban first implemented during his initial term and signed an executive order blocking entry from 12 countries, with limited restrictions applied to 7 others.
In January, Trump had directed the State Department to identify countries with “inadequate verification systems” that may warrant full or partial entry suspensions. The current proposal is seen as part of a sweeping anti-immigration agenda, which also includes plans for the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, the cancellation of humanitarian protections, and the revocation of thousands of visas.
What It Means for Foreign Nationals
If implemented, this policy could dramatically restrict travel and visa opportunities for citizens from the affected countries, disrupting families, business relations, and diplomatic ties. For foreign nationals already in the U.S. or those planning to travel for work, study, or tourism, the looming policy shift adds new layers of uncertainty.
Vietnam, notably, is not on the current list of 36 countries, but the precedent may concern other nations in Southeast Asia, especially if visa overstays or documentation gaps become diplomatic sticking points.
Vietnam Insider will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Source: Vietnam Insider