The U.S. may soon ban entry for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump seeks to expand the travel ban. A report on visa-approval processes is due March 12, and concerns arise regarding Afghan refugees. Officials express optimism for Pakistan, while fears remain for affected Afghans awaiting resettlement amid a potential suspension of their admissions.
The United States government may soon restrict entry for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Donald Trump plans to broaden the existing travel ban. This comes after a report is expected to be presented to the White House regarding visa-approval processes and enhanced vetting for potential visitors on March 12. Shawn Vandiver, leader of the AfghanEvac coalition, anticipates swift action from the administration and expresses concern for Afghan refugees awaiting travel to the U.S.
According to Mr. Vandiver, there is hope that refugees might be exempt from any new restrictions, although no final decisions have been confirmed yet. Reports suggest that both Afghanistan and Pakistan, among others, are likely to be classified as full suspension countries, which would significantly impact travel from these nations. While Pakistani officials express optimism regarding their potential exclusion from the travel ban, recent positive statements from U.S. officials regarding Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending a suspect linked to a deadly 2021 bombing have raised hopes.
President Trump’s administration has directed agencies to evaluate countries for potential vetting shortcomings, which may lead to a suspension of admissions for their nationals. Sources have indicated that the forthcoming travel ban might be more expansive than the original, first enacted in 2017, which primarily targeted individuals from several predominantly Muslim countries. The new restrictions could pose challenges for Afghan individuals who have worked alongside U.S. forces and are at risk of Taliban retribution, particularly those seeking refuge in the U.S.
An estimated 629,946 U.S. residents are of Pakistani descent, and the current population might exceed one million. Additionally, more than 10,000 Pakistani students pursue higher education in the U.S. The situation is dire for around 200,000 Afghans approved for resettlement in the U.S. or whose applications are pending, many of whom remain stranded in Afghanistan and other countries due to a freeze on admissions ordered by Mr. Trump.
In summary, the U.S. government is poised to potentially impose new travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, with implications for numerous Afghan individuals seeking refuge. Despite some optimistic reports from Pakistani officials, concerns persist regarding the fate of refugees amidst the revised vetting policies. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor developments that may impact those awaiting resettlement in the United States.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
