The Trump administration is reportedly considering a sweeping new travel ban affecting citizens from dozens of countries, including Pakistan. A leaked internal memo has revealed a proposed three-tiered system of restrictions.

The most severe restrictions would be imposed on a group of ten countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, facing a complete suspension of visas. A second group of five countries – Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan – would see partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and other immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.

Pakistan is included in a third group of 26 countries. These nations face partial visa suspensions unless their governments address “deficiencies” within 60 days.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, cautioned that the list is subject to change and requires approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials. The New York Times was the first to report on the proposed list.

This proposed ban echoes President Trump’s first-term travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations, a policy ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The current proposal stems from a January 2025 executive order mandating stricter vetting of foreign nationals to mitigate national security risks. This order directed cabinet members to submit a list of countries with inadequate vetting procedures by March 21st.

The proposed travel restrictions are part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by President Trump at the start of his second term. He previewed this plan in an October 2023 speech, mentioning potential restrictions on travel from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other countries deemed security threats.

A report had claimed earlier in March that Pakistan could be on the list of countries facing a new travel ban by Trump. Although the Foreign Office said that nothing had been officially communicated, a minister later said that no ‘blanket ban’ was under consideration.