The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to widen its travel ban list to include more than 30 countries, according to Secretary Kristi Noem.

This marks a major expansion from the existing policy, which suspends immigration and visa privileges for about 19 nations, encompassing both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, business travellers, and students.

Noem did not reveal which additional countries will be added, citing ongoing evaluations. She justified the move by saying that countries lacking stable governments or robust vetting infrastructure pose a threat to U.S. national security, and therefore denying entry is “justified.”

This decision comes in the wake of growing concerns over security after a recent fatal incident involving an asylum-seeker from one of the previously restricted countries, prompting stricter immigration scrutiny.