The Trump administration is preparing a comprehensive three-tier travel restriction plan, potentially blocking entry to the US for citizens from 41 nations. At its strictest level, the “red list” entirely shuts the door for travelers from 11 countries — notably including Afghanistan, and unexpectedly, Bhutan. Others on the list are Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
India and China are absent from any of the proposed categories.
The second-tier “orange list” features 10 countries such as Pakistan, Russia, and Myanmar. Citizens from these nations wouldn’t face an outright ban but would see tighter controls, allowing only select short-term non-immigrant visas, and requiring mandatory face-to-face interviews.
A third “yellow list,” comprising 20 mostly African and Caribbean countries, will be given a 60-day window to resolve perceived security or vetting issues. Failing this, they risk being bumped to harsher lists.
This aggressive move is viewed as an expansion of Trump’s earlier travel bans, initially aimed at Muslim-majority nations during his first term. The policy has triggered global anxiety, with many regarding the US as a beacon of opportunity. Prospective immigrants and travelers are alarmed about the uncertainty surrounding implementation timelines and the fate of valid visa holders.
Pakistanis, in particular, are unsettled due to conflicting reports about their placement on the orange or yellow lists. The rationale behind Bhutan’s unexpected inclusion and Russia’s position remains unclear.
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