WASHINGTON: The US State Department has dismissed reports suggesting that Washington is preparing a list of countries facing new visa restrictions, clarifying that no such directive exists.
Responding to media speculation, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized the department’s ongoing commitment to resettling Afghans who supported the US mission in Afghanistan, while firmly rejecting claims of a travel ban or visa suspension list.
“There is no list. What people are looking at over these last several days is not a list that exists here that is being acted on,” Bruce stated during a press briefing.
She acknowledged that the Trump administration had launched a broad security review of US visa policies in line with an executive order issued on January 20. However, she refuted allegations that Afghanistan, Pakistan, or any other country was currently facing new visa suspensions.
The clarification follows reports of a draft memo, allegedly seen by Reuters, outlining a proposal to impose varying levels of visa restrictions on 41 countries. The draft categorized nations into three groups, including Afghanistan, Iran, and North Korea, with recommendations ranging from full visa suspensions to partial restrictions.
According to the memo, Pakistan was listed among countries that could face partial suspensions if their governments did not address certain “deficiencies” within 60 days.
Despite these reports, the US State Department has made clear that no such list has been finalized or implemented. Bruce stressed that the ongoing review is part of standard policy assessments aimed at enhancing US security.
The statement comes as concerns grow among nations reportedly mentioned in the draft, but US officials insist that discussions remain preliminary and do not reflect official policy.
