Trump administration sets deadline for 36 countries to improve travel rules

The Trump administration has given 36 countries, mostly in Africa, until Wednesday to promise better checks on travelers. If they don’t, their citizens could be banned from entering the United States. A recent message from the State Department told U.S. embassies and consulates in these countries to check if their governments are ready to improve travel documents and address issues with people staying illegally in the U.S.

This move is part of President Trump’s push to tighten immigration rules. The administration wants these countries to share more information about their citizens and take back those who are in the U.S. without permission. The State Department’s message, sent over the weekend, stressed the need for quick action to avoid travel restrictions.

The list of countries wasn’t made public, but many are in Africa, with a few in the Caribbean and other regions. This follows earlier reports that the administration is considering adding these 36 countries to an existing travel ban. The goal is to make sure travelers are properly checked before coming to the U.S., focusing on national security.

If the countries don’t meet the deadline, the U.S. could stop issuing visas or impose other limits. This has raised concerns about possible impacts on trade, diplomacy, and families separated by borders. The administration says these steps are needed to protect the U.S., but critics worry about fairness and the effect on global relations.