The Trump administration is considering a travel ban affecting 43 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia. A proposed categorization system indicates varying degrees of travel restrictions, with the Red List imposing a complete ban and the Orange diminishing access for certain visa applicants. Compliance options are planned for countries on the Yellow List.
The Trump administration is deliberating a new travel ban that may include citizens from 43 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia, according to a report by The New York Times citing anonymous sources. A security official draft proposes categorizing nations into three lists: Red, Orange, and Yellow, with the Red List signifying a complete travel ban to the United States.
Countries listed as “Orange” include Pakistan and Russia, which face restricted travel rather than outright bans. While affluent business travelers may still be permitted entry, immigrant and tourist visa applications would face rigorous scrutiny. In-person interviews would be required for visas from countries on the Orange List, which also includes Myanmar, Belarus, Haiti, Laos, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
The Red List includes Afghanistan and Bhutan among 10 countries facing full visa suspension, along with Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. A Yellow List of 22 countries is proposed to receive 60 days to address various compliance issues which could otherwise escalate to more severe travel restrictions.
Countries on the Yellow List include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe. Concerns include lack of information sharing with the United States and inadequate security protocols.
This consideration marks the second time Mr. Trump would implement a travel ban, reminiscent of past restrictions during his first term targeting citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy later affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2018, according to Al Jazeera.
In summary, the potential new travel ban from the Trump administration could impact citizens from 43 countries through a three-tiered list system. The Red List entails a full visa suspension while the Orange List allows for restricted travel. Moreover, countries on the Yellow List will have a brief period to remedy compliance issues. This proposal reflects an ongoing focus on national security measures and travel restrictions as seen in past policies.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
