Fact Check: The United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries, according to a State Department memo reviewed by The Washington Post.

Fact Check: "The United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries, according to a State Department memo reviewed by The Washington Post."

What We Know

The claim that the United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries is substantiated by a memo from the State Department, which was reported by The Washington Post. This memo indicates that the Trump administration is contemplating a significant expansion of the travel ban, initially announced earlier in June 2025. The proposed list includes 25 African nations, as well as countries from the Caribbean, Central Asia, and several Pacific Island nations. The memo outlines various benchmarks that these countries are allegedly failing to meet, such as providing reliable identity documents and addressing high visa overstay rates among their citizens in the U.S.

The countries mentioned in the memo include Angola, Egypt, Djibouti, and many others, totaling 36 nations. The memo reportedly gives these countries a 60-day period to meet the new requirements set by the State Department, failing which they may face visa bans or other restrictions.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes directly from a credible source, namely a memo reviewed by The Washington Post. The publication is known for its investigative journalism and has a reputation for fact-checking and verifying information before publication. The memo's details about the countries involved and the reasons for the proposed restrictions lend credibility to the claim.

However, it is important to consider the context and potential biases surrounding the Trump administration's immigration policies. Critics have described these policies as xenophobic and have pointed out that they disproportionately target nations with significant Muslim populations or those from Africa and the Caribbean. The Fact Sheet from the Trump administration outlines the rationale behind such travel restrictions, emphasizing national security concerns. While the administration argues that these measures are necessary to protect the U.S. from potential threats, critics argue that they reflect a broader pattern of discrimination.

The reliability of the sources can be assessed through their track record. The Washington Post is a reputable news outlet, while the official statements from the Trump administration, although authoritative, may carry inherent bias given the administration's history of controversial immigration policies.

Conclusion

The claim that the United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries is True. The information is directly supported by a State Department memo reviewed by a reputable news source, which details the countries involved and the reasons for the proposed restrictions. The context of these restrictions, however, raises questions about their implications and motivations, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration policy in the U.S.

Sources

1. Trump administration considers adding 36 ... - The Washington Post Link
2. Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restricts the Entry of Foreign ... Link
3. See the Countries Under Trump's New Travel Ban Link
4. Airports face little disruption as Trump's new travel ban ... Link
5. The Latest: Trump announces travel ban affecting a dozen ... Link
6. Trump administration weighs travel ban on dozens of countries, memo ... Link
7. The Washington Post - Breaking news and latest headlines ... Link
8. Trump administration gives personal data of immigrant ... Link