President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a sweeping travel ban that could affect nearly half of Africa, with 43 countries appearing on a shortlist of nations whose citizens may face severe entry restrictions into the United States.
According to an internal proposal obtained by The New York Times, the ban would divide countries into three categories, with the most extreme restrictions applying to some African nations.
The leaked document categorizes Somalia, Libya, and Sudan in the ‘Red’ zone, meaning all travel from these nations to the US would be completely banned.
In the ‘Orange’ category, which entails sharp visa restrictions, are Eritrea, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. Meanwhile, the ‘Yellow’ list includes countries such as Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and PrÃncipe, and Zimbabwe.
These nations would be given 60 days to address US concerns or face harsher restrictions.
This move mirrors Trump’s controversial first-term travel ban on seven majority-Muslim nations, which faced intense legal battles before ultimately being upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
The new proposal is expected to reignite similar debates over immigration, discrimination, and diplomatic relations.
The proposed ban has already sparked outrage across Africa and beyond, with critics arguing that it unfairly targets African nations while ignoring similar concerns in other regions.
Many African leaders warn that the restrictions could strain US-Africa relations, disrupt trade, and impact thousands of students, business professionals, and families.
While the Trump administration has yet to make a final decision, the leak has intensified discussions on US immigration policy.
If implemented, the ban would mark one of the most significant shifts in America’s stance toward Africa in recent years, potentially reshaping diplomatic and economic ties across the continent.
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