Mar 15, Kathmandu- The Trump administration is planning to ban citizens of 43 countries from traveling to the United States. If the Trump administration's plan is implemented, citizens of 43 countries will be affected from traveling to the United States.

According to the New York Times, this ban is expected to be more extensive than that of Trump's first term.

Citizens of 11 countries are completely banned!

A preliminary list prepared by political and security officials has put 11 countries on the 'red list'. Citizens of these countries will be completely banned from entering the United States.

Red Listed Countries

1. Afghanistan

2. Bhutan

3. Cuba

4. Iran

5. Libya

6. North Korea

7. Somalia

8. Sudan

9. Syria

10. Venezuela

11. Yemen

The list was prepared by the US State Department a few weeks ago, but officials have said that some changes may occur by the time it reaches the White House.

Partial ban on 10 countries:

The draft also includes another group called the “Orange List”, in which citizens of countries will be subject to partial bans. Although wealthy businessmen from these countries will be allowed to enter the US, those seeking tourist and immigrant visas will be blocked.

In addition, citizens of these countries will be required to undergo a mandatory personal interview to obtain a visa.

Countries subject to partial bans

1. Belarus

2. Eritrea

3. Haiti

4. Laos

5. Myanmar

6. Pakistan

7. Russia

8. Sierra Leone

9. South Sudan

10. Turkmenistan

Trump's Executive Order and Sanctions Preparations

Upon taking office on January 20, Trump issued an executive order directing the State Department to identify countries with serious deficiencies in their security screening processes. He had 60 days to prepare a list, which expires next week.

The ban could also affect people who already have visas. But no specific details have been given. The administration has not made a firm decision on whether to exempt green card holders.

Last week, the Trump administration revoked the green card of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian citizen of Palestinian origin. Khalil, a former Columbia University student who led protests against Israel’s offensive in Gaza, is facing deportation proceedings, accusing him of “engaging in anti-American activities.”

A different list from the previous ban

The list includes some countries that were banned during Trump's first term, but many new countries have also been added. Most of these are Muslim-majority, poor or vulnerable countries.

Millions of immigrants seeking to enter the United States could be affected when the new proposal goes into effect.

Countries like Bhutan also on the list, but the reasons are unclear

The reasons for some of the countries the Trump administration has included in the travel ban list are unclear. For example, it has been proposed to completely ban Bhutan from entering the United States. However, the reason for Bhutan's inclusion on the list has not been disclosed.

The proposal to impose strict restrictions on visitors from Russia raises a different issue. Trump is trying to make his foreign policy more Russia-friendly, even though the Russian government is notorious for corruption.

Similarly, including Venezuela on the list could also affect the Trump administration’s latest immigration policy. Trump recently signaled that he would improve relations with Venezuela, which was expected to help repatriate illegal immigrants.

Proposal for a “Yellow List” with a 60-day ultimatum

The proposal also includes a “Yellow List” of 22 countries that would be placed on another list if they do not correct their security deficiencies within 60 days.

These deficiencies could include failing to provide information about travelers entering the United States, using weak security procedures in issuing passports, or selling citizenship to citizens of banned countries.

Concerns have been raised that selling citizenship could open up an alternative route for citizens of banned countries.

Countries on the ‘Yellow List’:

1. Angola

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Benin

4. Burkina Faso

5. Cambodia

6. Cameroon

7. Cape Verde

8. Chad

9. Republic of the Congo

10. Democratic Republic of the Congo

11. Dominica

12. Equatorial Guinea

13. Gambia

14. Liberia

15. Malawi

16. Mali

17. Mauritania

18. Saint Kitts and Nevis

19. Saint Lucia

20. Sao Tome and Principe

21. Vanuatu

22. Zimbabwe