The U.S. may soon implement additional travel bans on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, following a report due on March 12. President Trump aims to revive and possibly expand the previous Muslim travel ban from his first term. This could affect many Afghans approved for resettlement in the U.S. amid concerns from advocacy groups over the potential restrictions for refugees.
The United States may soon impose travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Donald Trump considers extending his previous Muslim travel ban. A report on the matter will be presented to the White House on March 12, following Trump’s directive for a review of visa approval processes and enhanced vetting for prospective visitors to the U.S. Advocacy groups express concern about the implications for Afghan refugees, while officials from Pakistan remain hopeful that their nation will not be included in the restrictions.
This potential travel ban arises from an executive order Trump issued in January, which called for identifying countries requiring suspension of admissions due to inadequate vetting and security information. A source noted officials predict that action could be taken shortly after the report’s presentation. Recent positive remarks from Trump about Pakistan’s aid in capturing a suspect related to a tragic bombing at Kabul airport are cited as reasons for potential exclusions.
The current deliberation around this travel ban may affect tens of thousands of Afghans who have previously been approved for resettlement in the U.S. This includes individuals at risk of retaliation from the Taliban for their affiliation with American operations over the past two decades. It is important to note that there were nearly 200,000 Afghans awaiting resettlement or with pending applications for Special Immigrant Visas.
Moreover, statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau reported nearly 630,000 residents of Pakistani descent in 2021, with current estimations suggesting the number exceeds one million. Similarly, over 10,000 Pakistani students are pursuing higher education within the United States, highlighting the potential broad impact of the travel restrictions.
In conclusion, the possible resurgence of travel bans targeting Pakistan and Afghanistan raises significant concerns regarding the future of Afghan refugees and Pakistani nationals seeking entry into the United States. As the Trump administration prepares to report on this matter, advocacy groups and affected individuals anxiously await the outcome, which could profoundly influence the lives and opportunities of thousands seeking refuge. This situation mirrors historical challenges posed by U.S. immigration policies in the past, emphasizing the ongoing complexities of the immigration landscape.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
