Trump administration weighs expanding travel ban to over 30 nations after National Guard shooting

The Trump administration is considering a major expansion of its travel-ban policy, potentially extending restrictions to more than 30 countries, following the deadly shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Officials say the suspected shooter, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. through a resettlement programme, triggered an immediate reassessment of immigration protocols and vetting systems. As a result, the government has already paused immigration applications from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia and Yemen, while signalling that additional nations will soon be added to the list. The administration argues that the expanded ban is necessary to address national-security risks and prevent potential vetting failures. However, civil-rights groups and several lawmakers warn that the move amounts to blanket discrimination based on nationality and could severely disrupt the lives of thousands of immigrants, asylum seekers and legal residents. With the final list expected to be announced soon, the policy shift marks one of the most sweeping changes to U.S. immigration controls in recent years, intensifying political and legal debate over the balance between security and individual rights.