Trump again puts Bhutan, one of the world's happiest countries, on US travel ban list if it doesn't address concerns

Time of India

5 hours ago

President Donald Trump is once again threatening to expand his administration's travel ban list—this time warning Bhutan, often ranked among the world's happiest nations, that it could face U.S. entry restrictions unless it takes swift action to address national security and immigration concerns.
The Trump administration is reportedly weighing a dramatic expansion of its immigration restrictions, potentially adding 36 more countries to the U.S. travel ban list. This latest move, revealed through an internal State Department cable obtained by Reuters, is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated during the start of President Donald Trump's second term. The policy aims to tighten border controls and address national security threats tied to identity verification, passport integrity, and cooperation on deportations.
Why is Bhutan being targeted by Trump's travel policy?
In a recently leaked State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump administration identified 36 countries, including Bhutan, that are at risk of being added to the U.S. travel ban list. The memo outlines specific issues the administration says must be corrected within 60 days, or the countries could face either full or partial restrictions on entry into the United States.
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According to the memo, Bhutan is being flagged due to:
Weak passport and document security
High rates of visa overstays
Limited cooperation with U.S. deportation procedures
Concerns related to terrorism, antisemitism, or anti-American rhetoric
What is the deadline for Bhutan to respond?
Countries on the list, including Bhutan, have
60 days from mid-June
to present a detailed action plan to the United States. If the administration isn't satisfied with their progress or commitment, Trump could sign off on bans affecting tourists, students, or even broader categories of travelers.
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This threat comes on the heels of Trump's June 4 proclamation, which already implemented full bans on 12 countries and placed partial restrictions on seven others.
Why is the Trump administration considering adding 36 new countries to the travel ban?
According to the diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the U.S. government has identified 36 countries that may face full or partial travel restrictions. These countries are under review due to several critical concerns, including:
Inability or unwillingness to produce reliable identity documents
Lack of cooperation in accepting deported nationals
Granting of passports with questionable security standards
Presence of individuals who have overstayed U.S. visas
Links to terrorist activity or anti-American sentiment
The memo, first reported by the
Washington Post
, warns that these countries have 60 days to meet specific benchmarks. Failure to do so could result in their nationals being banned from entering the United States.
What prompted this sharp immigration crackdown?
This expanded ban is part of President Trump's ongoing immigration policy, which he ramped up earlier this year. In recent months, the administration:
Deported hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of gang affiliations to El Salvador
Implemented new rules targeting foreign students in U.S. universities, barring enrollments and ordering deportations in certain cases
Signed a proclamation earlier in June that banned entry from 12 countries on national security grounds
This recent action builds on the original Trump travel ban from his first term, which drew widespread controversy and legal challenges. Now, with a second term in office, the administration appears to be broadening its scope.
What specific issues are flagged in the State Department cable?
The cable outlines a dozen reasons for potential restriction. Among the most serious:
Governments that fail to cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts
Nations that do not issue secure passports or fail to verify identities
High instances of visa overstays among their citizens
Countries whose nationals have been implicated in terrorism, antisemitic acts, or anti-American activities
The memo emphasized that not all concerns apply to every listed country, but the risks were significant enough to prompt this sweeping review.
Could this new travel ban affect students and legal immigrants?
Yes, it could. While the current focus is on restricting entry into the U.S., the administration has already taken steps against foreign students. Several policies have targeted student visa holders, including attempts to limit enrollment or initiate deportation proceedings.
Legal immigrants from affected nations may also face delays or denials when applying for visas, green cards, or citizenship, particularly if their home country fails to meet updated U.S. vetting requirements.
What does this mean for U.S.–Bhutan relations?
Bhutan, known for its Gross National Happiness index and peaceful diplomacy, is now under pressure to modernize its border security systems and cooperate more closely with the U.S. immigration system. Although the country has historically enjoyed warm relations with the West, failure to meet these new requirements could sour ties under Trump's hardline immigration agenda.
The Trump administration insists the policy is about "national security, not discrimination", echoing the language of previous travel bans implemented during Trump's first term. However, critics argue that the threat could damage America's image abroad and strain relations with countries that have limited infrastructure to meet such rapid demands.
Which countries are on the radar, and what's next?
The cable did not list all 36 countries publicly. However, it's expected that nations with weak passport systems, high overstay rates, or limited cooperation on deportations are among those under review.
Over the next two months, these countries must address U.S. concerns to avoid sanctions. If they fail, Trump's administration may formally expand the travel ban, adding to an already controversial legacy on immigration policy.
For now, both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are watching closely, as the consequences of these actions could reshape America's immigration landscape once again.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Trump administration's new travel ban plan?
Trump may expand the travel ban to 36 more countries over security concerns.
Q: Why are 36 countries facing a potential U.S. travel ban?
Due to passport security issues, visa overstays, and lack of deportation cooperation.