President Donald Trump issued an executive order in his second term directing cabinet members to draft a list of countries with deficient vetting and screening information that should face travel restrictions within 60 days.
The big picture: A draft list circulating includes 43 countries categorized into three tiers – red, orange and yellow – based on the level of restriction proposed for their citizens entering the US.
- The red list includes 11 countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria, whose citizens would be entirely forbidden from entering the US.
- The orange list contains 10 countries like Belarus and Pakistan, where citizens will have restrictions, possibly requiring specific visas or in-person interviews.
- The yellow list comprises 22 countries, mainly African nations, given 60 days to address alleged deficiencies; failure to comply could lead to placement on the red or orange lists.
- The proposal is being reviewed by security specialists and embassy officials at State Department regional bureaus for accuracy in identifying deficiencies and potential policy considerations.
