🇧🇹 BHUTAN TARGETED? US PLANS NEW TRAVEL BAN – WHY IS THE GNH NATION ON THE LIST?

In a development that has stirred concern across the peaceful Kingdom of Bhutan, the United States — under President Donald Trump’s administration — is reportedly planning to significantly expand its travel restrictions, potentially banning citizens from 36 additional countries, including Bhutan.

This controversial move, revealed through an internal cable from the U.S. State Department, marks a sharp escalation of President Trump’s immigration and national security policies during his second term. But the inclusion of Bhutan — a country globally renowned for its commitment to peace, sustainability, and Gross National Happiness (GNH) — has raised eyebrows and questions.

🔹 What Is the U.S. Doing to the GNH Country?

Bhutan, with no known history of terrorism or anti-American activity, has been included in a list of countries under scrutiny for possible entry suspensions to the U.S.. According to the leaked directive, the reasoning centers on alleged concerns over passport security, identity documentation, and lack of cooperation in deporting nationals — claims that many say are vague and unfairly generalized.

“This move undermines the values of diplomacy and mutual respect,” said a former Bhutanese diplomat. “Bhutan has never been a threat to the United States.”

🔹 The Bigger Picture: A Global Ban in the Making?

This planned expansion follows an earlier proclamation this month that banned entry from 12 countries, mostly from conflict-affected regions. If enforced, the new list would raise the total number of countries with full or partial bans to nearly 50.

Key countries at risk of new bans include:

• Bhutan, Angola, Cambodia, Ghana, Nigeria, Syria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, among others.

Earlier bans included countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Yemen.

🔹 The U.S. Justification: Security vs. Sovereignty

The Trump administration claims the ban is necessary to protect Americans from foreign terrorism, illegal immigration and to uphold visa policy integrity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an internal cable demanding corrective action within 60 days — or risk sanctions.

But critics argue that this blanket approach unfairly targets small nations with limited resources, many of which have no record of harming U.S. interests.

🔹 Why Bhutan?

This is the pressing question. Bhutan maintains strict visa and immigration controls, has minimal outbound migration to the United States, and has never been cited on any international terrorism list. So why now?

Political analysts suggest the move may be more about projecting strength than actual threats.

“Lumping Bhutan in with countries facing internal conflict or terrorism makes no sense,” said a U.S.-based Bhutanese academic. “It’s diplomatically insulting.”

🔹 A Call for Clarity

Bhutanese officials have not yet released a formal statement, but public concern is growing — particularly among Bhutanese students and families with ties to the U.S. Many are wondering whether Bhutan is being punished not for what it has done, but for what it allegedly lacks: the technological or diplomatic heft to fight back.

In a world that increasingly values soft power, Bhutan’s moral stature is globally admired. But now, this quiet Himalayan nation finds itself on a list it never asked to be on.

🔹 Final Word

As the Trump administration continues to push forward its immigration agenda, Bhutan — the only country to prioritize Gross National Happiness over GDP — is left asking a critical question:

What has the GNH nation done to deserve this?

---

Follow WORDS FOR YOU for more updates on this developing story.