ISLAMABAD: The United States plans to expand the number of countries covered under its travel ban to more than 30, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a televised interview on Thursday.

Noem was asked on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” whether the administration of US President Donald Trump intended to increase the list to 32 countries. “I won’t be specific on the number, but it’s over 30, and the president is continuing to evaluate countries,” she said.

Noem did not say which additional countries may be added. She said the United States must be able to verify travellers' identities before allowing entry.

“If they don’t have a stable government there, if they don’t have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?” Noem said.

The announcement follows a June proclamation signed by Trump banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States and placing restrictions on seven others.

The measures apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business travellers. The administration has said the policy is intended to guard against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats.

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US to increase travel ban to over 30 countries, US Homeland Security secretary says