The Trump administration is considering a dramatic expansion of its controversial travel restrictions, with 36 countries — including small Pacific nations Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu — facing possible full or partial bans from entering the United States.
According to an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters, the proposed measures come as part of President Donald Trump’s second-term push for tougher immigration controls, citing national security concerns.
Earlier this month, a new travel proclamation barred entry to citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia. The draft list of additional nations under review suggests that the administration is moving to further tighten its grip on global migration.
The diplomatic cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines issues ranging from weak passport security to non-cooperation in deportation processes. The memo claims that some governments failed to issue reliable identity documents or assist in removing nationals already ordered to leave the U.S.
“The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks within 60 days,” the cable said.
Among those countries are Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu — three small island nations in the Pacific that are now at risk of being swept up in the U.S.’s expanded immigration crackdown.
The Trump administration argues the changes are necessary to protect Americans from “foreign terrorists” and other threats. However, critics argue the sweeping nature of the policy — including its impact on countries with minimal historical security concerns — could damage international relations and unfairly penalise developing nations.
A senior State Department official, while not confirming the list, defended the policy: “We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans… The Department is committed to upholding the highest standards of national security.”
The list under review includes countries from across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Other names on the list include Nigeria, Ethiopia, Syria, and Cambodia.
This move follows earlier bans enacted during Trump’s first term, including the widely criticised 2017 travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.
The White House says the new restrictions are subject to change if countries demonstrate “material improvements” in document security, deportation cooperation, and other areas of concern.
Tongan, Tuvaluan, and ni-Vanuatu citizens currently travel to the U.S. in small numbers, often for education, tourism, or church missions. Pacific leaders are yet to respond publicly to the draft proposal, but concerns are expected to rise, especially as many small island nations rely heavily on international mobility and remittances.
Critics at home and abroad have blasted the move as discriminatory and excessive. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said the policy “will only further isolate us on the world stage,” while the African Union has called on Washington to enter constructive dialogue with affected nations.
The U.S. says exemptions will still apply, including for lawful residents, dual nationals, government employees, and athletes travelling for major sporting events. However, the inclusion of peaceful Pacific nations on a list alongside war-torn or high-risk states is likely to draw fresh scrutiny and diplomatic backlash.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
