The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering significantly expanding its immigration restrictions with the potential inclusion of citizens from 36 new countries on its blacklist, which would imply a total or partial ban on entry to the United States if they do not meet the security standards required by the Department of State.
The information was revealed this Saturday by the agency Reuters, based on an internal memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which indicates that U.S. authorities have identified 36 countries as potentially problematic in terms of migration cooperation, document security, or history of terrorism and anti-American activities.
"The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that could be recommended for a total or partial entry suspension if they do not meet the established requirements within 60 days,” quotes Reuters.
The cable indicates that not all criteria apply equally to each country, but common failures include the issuance of unreliable passports, a lack of cooperation in repatriating nationals with deportation orders, and documented cases of terrorism, anti-Semitism, or anti-American activities committed by citizens of those countries on U.S. soil.
The countries that could be banned if they do not correct their situation in the next two months are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The initiative is part of a new immigration offensive launched by Trump following his second term assumption last January.
So far this year, it has already banned entry to citizens from 12 countries, including Iran, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen, and has carried out mass deportations of Venezuelans accused of ties to gangs.
It has also taken measures against foreign students and tightened the conditions for visas.
Although Cuba does not appear on this new list of 36 countries, it is currently under partial restrictions since June 4, when Trump signed an executive order limiting the entry of Cuban citizens to the U.S. on the grounds of “lack of cooperation” from the Havana government regarding repatriations.
"I have decided to restrict and partially limit the entry of nationals from the following seven countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These restrictions differentiate between the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants, but they apply to both groups," states the official text.
In March of last year, the administration of President Donald Trump had announced that it was considering imposing entry restrictions on citizens from 43 countries, including Cuba, categorized into three groups: "red," "orange," and "yellow."
According to a report published by The New York Times this Friday, the list is still not final and may undergo changes before being approved by the White House.
The ban would be included in an executive order, signed by Trump on January 20, titled "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Others," aimed at preventing "threats to national security and public safety".
Frequently Asked Questions About the New U.S. Immigration Restrictions
Which countries are on the new U.S. blacklist for entry restrictions?
The administration of Donald Trump is considering including citizens from 36 new countries on its entry restriction blacklist for the U.S. These countries are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Why are these migration restrictions imposed?
The restrictions are based on national security concerns and lack of immigration cooperation. The countries on the list are considered problematic due to the issuance of unreliable passports, lack of cooperation in repatriating nationals with deportation orders, and histories of terrorism or anti-American activities.
Is Cuba affected by these new immigration restrictions?
Cuba has been under partial restrictions since June 5, 2025. The executive order signed by Trump limits the entry of Cuban citizens to the U.S. due to the lack of cooperation from the Cuban government regarding repatriations and for being classified as a "state sponsor of terrorism."
What impact can these restrictions have on the Cuban and Venezuelan communities in the U.S.?
The restrictions could severely affect the Cuban and Venezuelan community in the U.S. The measures create uncertainty regarding the re-entry of permanent residents and could influence the midterm elections in Florida, where the diaspora of both countries is significant. Additionally, the lack of exemptions in these policies could lead to legal challenges.
What measures are being taken against foreign students and visas in the U.S.?
The Trump administration has tightened the conditions for visas and taken measures against foreign students. This is part of a broader immigration offensive aimed at strengthening border controls and ensuring national security.
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