Trump Administration Plans to Broaden Travel Bans Including Afghanistan

The Trump administration is set to expand its travel ban, potentially including Afghanistan and other nations from previous restrictions. A draft proposal circulating in the executive branch suggests a new “red” list of countries for entry prohibitions, with Afghan citizens facing comprehensive travel bans. Nonprofit groups have issued warnings to affected individuals to return to the U.S. without delay.

The Trump administration is preparing to introduce a new, broader travel ban on certain countries, building on policies from his first term. This development is linked to Trump’s initial 2015 campaign proposal which aimed to restrict Muslim immigration and has faced numerous legal challenges since then.

A circulating draft from the executive branch outlines a potential “red” list of countries, enabling President Trump to deny entry to their citizens. Notably, this list is expected to include nations previously affected by his first-term bans, such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

The draft may also designate Afghanistan as a country whose nationals would face comprehensive entry restrictions. According to Shawn VanDiver, leader of a nonprofit aiding Afghans aligned with U.S. forces, this proposal indicates that Afghan citizens would experience a total travel ban.

In light of these developments, VanDiver’s organization issued an urgent statement advising Afghans with valid visas abroad to return to the United States immediately. Furthermore, media reports, including one from Reuters, support the indication that Afghanistan will be included in the new travel restrictions.

In summary, the Trump administration is on the cusp of implementing an expansive travel ban that may include Afghanistan alongside several other previously targeted nations. The recommendations suggest a potential complete prohibition on Afghan citizens entering the United States, prompting urgent advisories for those with visas to return. This policy reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to stringent immigration controls established during Trump’s first term.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com