The Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that may include Afghanistan and Pakistan, following a review focusing on national security concerns. Recent reports indicate that the ban could take effect soon and potentially affect tens of thousands of Afghan refugees. Special Immigrant Visa holders may not be exempt from the ban, raising concerns about their resettlement status.
The Donald Trump administration is reportedly preparing to implement a new travel ban targeting countries with predominantly Muslim populations, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. This information was sourced from a Reuters report that cited three anonymous sources, indicating the list of affected countries may be broader than during Trump’s first term, inclusive of nations subjected to security and vetting risk evaluations.
According to the New York Times, a proposed “red” list of countries has been drafted, from which citizens will be prohibited from entering the United States. Previously, the travel ban encompassed seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, which are anticipated to remain on the list in light of potential revisions.
Reports suggest that should the government review proceed without obstacle, the travel ban could take effect as early as next week. This initiative aligns with Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which he outlined in a speech in October 2023, highlighting his commitment to restricting entry from specific areas that pose security threats, including the Gaza Strip, Somalia, and Syria among others.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order mandating stricter security vetting for foreigners wishing to enter the United States, discerning national security risks. This order instructed relevant cabinet members to compile a list of countries from which travel would be partly or completely suspended due to inadequate vetting and screening.
Both Reuters and the New York Times have indicated that Afghanistan could be added to the list of nations affected by the new ban. Furthermore, tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for resettlement as refugees or Special Immigrant Visa recipients may also be impacted. Reports suggest that the State Department’s resettlement office is pursuing an exemption for Special Immigrant Visa holders, although the likelihood of such an exemption being granted remains uncertain, as noted by a Reuters source.
There is also the possibility that Pakistan will be included in the list of countries barred from entering the United States, as indicated in reports by Reuters.
All developments regarding this travel ban and its implications are significant, bringing potential changes in the U.S. immigration landscape particularly affecting Afghan and Pakistani citizens seeking entry into the country.
In conclusion, the Trump administration appears to be moving forward with a new travel ban that may encompass additional countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. This initiative, part of a larger immigration crackdown, follows prior iterations of the ban upheld by the Supreme Court. The implications of this travel ban could significantly impact the thousands of refugees and immigrants from these nations, particularly those holding Special Immigrant Visas. The urgency of the government’s review indicates that changes to the travel policies may be implemented imminently.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
