TEHRAN – US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering banning citizens from 43 countries from entering the United States, with the strictest restrictions being proposed for countries like Iran.
Leaked internal government documents reveal hierarchical systems categorized as “red,” “orange,” or “yellow,” based on the severity of the restrictions.
The “red” list, including Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Venezuela, will face a complete travel ban. The “orange” class, which could affect countries such as Belarus, Russia and Pakistan, is considering exemptions for wealthy business travelers, but will impose major visa restrictions. Finally, the “yellow” group, including Cambodia and Zimbabwe, will face partial visa suspensions unless certain security flaws are addressed within a 60-day period.
The proposed measures stemming from an executive order in January that requires a more stringent security review reflect Trump’s controversial policies during his first term. This included a highly contested travel ban targeting Muslim nations that ultimately reached the US Supreme Court in 2018 and ultimately endorsed by the US Supreme Court.
A light letter of Iranian immigrants deported by the US has resurfaced amid reports of new potential visa bans. Earlier this year, the Trump administration faced surveillance over the handling of Iranian immigrants. Many of them are currently enduring the harsh conditions in Panama. Under the US-Panama Agreement, dozens of Iranians were among nearly 100 migrants who moved to remote detention camps in the Panama jungle in February.
These deported individuals, including children, were initially confined to hotels that were trapped before being moved to Darien Province, a region famous for difficult circumstances and common diseases such as dengue. One immigrant likened the facility to a “fenced cage” and an “zoo” with inadequate regulations.
Iran and the US ties lie at a significant low point. Analysts argue that regaining Iranian trust is essential to resolve the ongoing tensions, but they argue that Trump’s rhetoric and aggressive policies, past actions, will positively undermine that goal.