Trump Delays Plan To Ban People From 43 Countries

The Trump administration’s initiative to prohibit entry to the US for individuals from 43 countries has been postponed with no set timeline for implementation.

Trump signed an executive order on January 20 mandating enhanced security screenings for foreigners applying to enter the US, aiming to identify potential national security risks.

In March, the White House released a memo categorizing countries into three distinct groups, including those facing complete visa bans and others with partial restrictions. Many hail from the Middle East and Africa, with nations like Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea among the 11 subjected to the strictest measures.

In the second category, 10 countries would encounter partial restrictions affecting tourist, student, and other immigrant visas, though some exemptions would apply.

Additionally, a third group comprising 22 countries could face partial suspension of US visa issuance if their governments “do not make efforts to address deficiencies within 60 days,” according to the memo.

Trump’s proposed ban is now stalled as the State Department repeatedly fails to meet deadlines for delivering a report outlining restriction recommendations.

The report was initially expected on March 21, but department spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced Monday that it remains under development.

“I can tell you that we’re working on what the executive order asked for, which is not travel bans of course but the nature of restrictions from other countries if – whether or not they meet the standard of security and vetting that’s required for entry into the United States,” she stated.

A revised deadline for submitting the report to Trump has not been established, though Bruce assured it is still being prepared.

“Again, because there’s not a date, it doesn’t mean that it’s not being worked on. So we are all working to implement what President Trump has ordered,” she said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli