The article examines the unexpected inclusion of Bhutan on President Trump’s draft travel ban list, which categorizes nations based on immigration risks. Predominantly known for prioritizing citizen happiness over economic indicators, Bhutan’s red list designation may stem from recent visa overstay trends. Former politician Karma Loday shares concerns over being grouped with nations known for terrorism, emphasizing Bhutan’s peaceful nature.
President Trump’s draft travel ban list has recently sparked headlines, particularly with the unexpected inclusion of Bhutan, a nation well-known for its emphasis on happiness through its ‘Gross National Happiness’ policy. Under the proposed list, countries are categorized into red, orange, and yellow sections, with the red list subjected to an immediate ban on all its citizens. While the red list predominantly contains countries with strained diplomatic relations, Bhutan’s inclusion raises questions due to its unique socio-political stance.
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom with under 800,000 residents, has garnered global recognition for prioritizing its citizens’ emotional well-being over economic growth. Known for its eco-friendliness, Bhutan is the sole carbon-negative nation globally, owing to its vast forests and commitment to sustainable energy. The country imposes a $100 daily Sustainable Development Fee on tourists, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are balanced with preservation efforts.
The nation has historically prioritized cultural preservation, controlling external influences by delaying the introduction of television and the internet until 1999. However, this commitment has a controversial aspect, as evidenced by the ‘One Nation, One People’ policy instituted in 1985, which led to the mistreatment of non-Buddhist ethnic groups. Many Nepalese-speaking Hindus faced significant oppression, resulting in a considerable refugee crisis for which the U.S. accepted numerous displaced individuals.
As for Bhutan’s unexpected designation as a red country, some speculate it is attributed to the higher rate of visa overstays by Bhutanese citizens in recent years, albeit affecting only a small cohort. According to the latest report, while the overstay rate for Bhutanese nationals was reported at 12.71%, this translates to merely 23 individuals.
In comparison, other nations, including China and Russia, have reported far greater absolute numbers in visa overstays, reflecting a discrepancy in perception versus reality surrounding Bhutan’s migration patterns. Even as residing Bhutanese in the U.S. numbers approximately 24,000, these figures remained stable from 2015 to 2019, showcasing the unchanging nature of Bhutanese immigration to the U.S.
Former Bhutanese politician Karma Loday expressed concerns over the travel ban’s implications for Bhutan, stating, “I feel it is unfair for whatever reason to have my beloved country enlisted with some of the countries with terrorism history.” This is not the first instance of Bhutan being impacted by U.S. immigration policies; the country was subject to restrictions under a program introduced during the previous Trump administration requiring high-bond payments for tourists from nations with significant overstay rates.
In summary, the inclusion of Bhutan on President Trump’s draft travel ban list raises critical discussions about immigration policies and national perceptions. Despite Bhutan’s reputation for promoting happiness and environmental sustainability, concerns related to visa overstays have contributed to its placement on the red list. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding migration patterns from smaller nations and raises questions about fairness in addressing perceived risks associated with their citizens. Throughout this process, Bhutan’s historical context and commitment to cultural preservation remain essential components of the discussion.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
