Welcome to World USA National News Update
The United States is expanding its travel ban to include over 30 countries due to national security concerns. This decision is expected to affect millions of travelers and immigrants, especially those from countries with unstable governments or weak vetting systems.
The Travel Ban Expansion
The original travel ban, put in place in June 2025, targeted 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The expanded ban is likely to add 10 to 12 new countries, resulting in a total of 30 to 32 nations facing travel restrictions.
Key Changes and Updates
- Biometric Collection: All noncitizens entering and leaving the US will be required to provide facial biometrics starting December 26, 2025.
- Interview Waiver Elimination: In-person interviews will be necessary for F, J, M, H, L, and O-1 visa renewals.
- H-1B Fee Requirement: Employers must pay a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions.
- EAD Extension Changes: Work permits will have a shorter validity period.
Impact on Travelers and Immigrants
The travel ban expansion will have significant consequences for:
- Travelers: They may be denied entry to the US, face delays in visa processing, and see travel plans canceled.
- Immigrants: They could struggle to get visas, green cards, and asylum status.
- Employers: Business operations and workforce management may be disrupted.
Countries Affected by the Travel Ban
- Full Suspension: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- Partial Restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
What to Do Next
If you plan to travel to the US or have pending immigration applications:
- Check your visa status: Make sure your visa is valid and not affected by the travel ban.
- Prepare documentation: Gather necessary documents, including proof of ties to your home country and financial statements.
- Monitor deadlines: Keep track of key dates to avoid delays or rejections with your applications.
- Consult immigration professionals: Get advice from qualified immigration attorneys if your case is complicated.
The US government has not yet provided an official list of the additional countries to be added to the travel ban. An announcement about the expansion is expected around mid-December 2025. The Trump administration has stated that stricter vetting is necessary to ensure that individuals entering the US do not pose a threat. Critics argue that the administration is causing harm to those who have already completed extensive vetting to reach the US and claim these new measures punish entire groups.
The US Department of Homeland Security has yet to specify which countries will be added to the expanded ban. However, officials suggest the list may continue to grow based on ongoing national security assessments.
