The U.S. may soon impose travel bans on Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump seeks to expand the Muslim ban. A report on the issue is due on March 12, highlighting concerns about refugee exemptions and security vetting processes. This potential move could significantly affect thousands of individuals awaiting resettlement in the U.S., amidst evolving responses from Pakistani and Afghan officials.
The United States may soon implement travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a potential expansion of the previous Muslim ban initiated by President Donald Trump. A report regarding this matter is scheduled for March 12, following Trump’s January directive to assess visa approval processes and enhance visitor vetting. Reports indicate that immediate action by the Trump administration is expected, with several countries anticipated to be on the suspension list.
Shawn Vandiver, leader of AfghanEvac, has expressed concerns regarding how this ban may affect refugees. Although it is hoped that refugees will be exempt from the prohibition, definitive decisions remain elusive, even as Afghanistan and Pakistan are reportedly labeled as full suspension countries. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials harbor hope that their nation will not be included in the ban due to positive recent remarks from U.S. officials regarding Pakistan’s cooperation in capturing a suspect related to the Kabul airport bombing that resulted in American fatalities.
Trump has publicly thanked Pakistan for its efforts in apprehending the suspect and emphasized the importance of such collaboration. His executive order from January aimed to identify countries at risk that may warrant visa admission suspensions based on deficient vetting and screening protocols. As the situation evolves, the Pakistan embassy in Washington did not immediately comment, and the State Department has refrained from discussing internal matters. They affirmed their commitment to national security through stringent visa processes.
Two officials indicated to The New York Times that this travel ban, broader than its precursor, is nearing finalization. The original travel ban, introduced on Trump’s first day in office, caused significant disruption and legal challenges, ultimately leading to a revised version upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The new ban might impact thousands of Afghans approved for U.S. resettlement due to their precarious situations following two decades of military involvement. Recent estimates suggest over one million Pakistani Americans reside in the U.S., with more than 10,000 Pakistani students pursuing higher education in the country, while about 200,000 Afghans await resettlement.
Since Trump’s order on January 20 that froze refugee admissions and associated foreign aid, many individuals remain in limbo across various countries, including Pakistan, with tens of thousands expecting relocation to the United States.
In summary, the proposed travel ban affecting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy under President Trump. The potential impact on refugees and those awaiting resettlement could be profound, with concerns about national security and the effectiveness of visa vetting processes driving these decisions. Observers remain vigilant regarding the implications of these developments on U.S.-Pakistan relations and the Afghan community seeking refuge.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
