In a significant policy shift, the United States is considering a major expansion of its travel ban list, potentially adding at least ten more countries. This move comes as a direct response to a fatal shooting in Washington, D.C., that claimed the life of a National Guard member.
Noem's Recommendation and Proposed Expansion
According to a report from CNN, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is advocating to increase the number of nations on the restricted travel list. Her recommendation would see the total number rise from the current 19 to between 30 and 32 countries. While the specific nations under consideration have not been publicly disclosed, the proposal signals a sharp tightening of U.S. border and immigration policy.
The existing list, which imposes full or partial travel restrictions, includes Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Venezuela, and several others. A source indicated that ongoing security assessments could lead to this expanded list, though the timing of an official announcement remains unclear.
Triggering Event: The Washington D.C. Shooting
The push for stricter measures follows a tragic incident in the U.S. capital on November 26, 2025. Authorities allege that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, drove from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to Washington, D.C., where he shot two members of the West Virginia National Guard.
The attack resulted in the death of 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounded 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. Investigators allege that both victims were shot in the back of the head. According to a criminal complaint, witnesses reported hearing Lakanwal shout "Allahu Akbar" (God is great in Arabic) after the victims fell. The complaint further states Lakanwal attempted to reload his firearm after being shot himself before being subdued.
On Tuesday, December 2, Lakanwal was formally charged with murder, two counts of assault with intent to kill, and one count of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. He pleaded not guilty during a remote court appearance from a hospital bed.
Political Rhetoric and Policy Response
The shooting has ignited strong political rhetoric and promises of policy action. On December 1, 2025, Secretary Noem took to social media to announce she had met with President Donald Trump. In her post, she stated she recommended "a full travel ban on every damn country that's been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies."
She added, "Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes." The official Department of Homeland Security account shared an image of the American flag in response to her statement.
This follows a vow from President Trump late last Thursday, in which he pledged to "permanently pause migration" from poorer nations. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote of terminating millions of admissions from the previous administration and removing anyone not considered a "net asset to the United States."
The proposed expansion of the travel ban list represents a concrete step being considered within the administration to fulfill these hardline immigration promises, using the D.C. shooting as a catalyst for action. The development underscores a continued focus on stringent border security and vetting procedures as central tenets of U.S. domestic security policy.
