WASHINGTON, D.C, March 15, (V7N) – The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly evaluating a new travel ban that could affect citizens from 43 countries, according to a report by the New York Times on Friday. The proposed ban follows a three-tiered system, imposing varying levels of restrictions on different nations.

Countries in the Red Category would face a complete entry ban, barring all citizens from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen from traveling to the United States. Meanwhile, the Orange Category includes Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan, where visa access would be significantly restricted, allowing entry only for specific business travelers while limiting immigrant and tourist visas. Citizens of these nations would also be required to undergo in-person interviews for visa approvals.

The Yellow Category consists of 22 countries that would be granted 60 days to address US concerns before potentially facing more severe travel restrictions. Officials, however, indicated that the State Department had compiled this list weeks ago, and adjustments might still be made before it reaches the White House for final review and approval.

As part of his early initiatives upon assuming office, Trump halted refugee admissions and implemented substantial cuts to foreign aid. Additionally, he ordered the US government to reassess security threats posed by certain nations, reminiscent of his 2017 "Muslim ban," which faced intense international criticism and legal challenges.

The initial 2017 travel ban targeted Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, sparking widespread opposition. Although Iraq and Sudan were later removed from the list, the US Supreme Court upheld a revised version in 2018, which extended the ban to include North Korea and Venezuela.

While the proposed restrictions are yet to be finalized, the policy is expected to draw significant political and legal scrutiny, potentially leading to challenges from advocacy groups and affected nations.

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