Trump Administration Prepares New Travel Ban Targeting Muslim-Majority Countries

The Trump administration is set to implement a new travel ban affecting Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, based on security assessments. The ban may expand beyond previous restrictions, affecting resettlement processes for many Afghans. The potential implementation of this ban could occur as soon as next week.

The Trump administration is preparing to enforce a new travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, following a governmental security review. A Reuters report, citing multiple sources, indicates the possibility of additional countries being included in this revised list, which may be broader than the initial one established during Trump’s first term.

According to the New York Times, a proposed ‘red’ list has emerged that would prevent citizens of certain identified countries from gaining entry into the United States. During Trump’s first term, the countries on this list included Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, and many of these nations are expected to remain on the updated list.

If the current governmental review validates the bans, implementation could occur as early as next week, as reported by Reuters. This directive aligns with Trump’s ongoing immigration policies, which he emphasized in a speech in October 2023, expressing intentions to restrict entry from regions deemed threats to national security, including the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, and Syria.

An executive order issued by Trump on January 20 mandated an escalation in security vetting for foreigners applying to enter the U.S. This order instructed cabinet members to provide a list of countries to partially or fully restrict travel from, highlighting those with inadequate vetting processes. Reports suggest that Afghanistan may be newly added to this list.

Moreover, numerous Afghans have been authorized for resettlement in the U.S. as refugees or via Special Immigrant Visas. However, the State Department’s office overseeing their resettlement seeks to exempt Special Immigrant Visa holders from the upcoming travel ban, although the likelihood of this exemption being granted is uncertain. Reports also indicate that Pakistan might be included in the countries subject to the travel ban.

The Trump administration is poised to reinstate a travel ban affecting countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan based on security assessments conducted by government officials. The anticipated ban may widen beyond the previously established nations and could impact numerous Afghans and other foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. The implications of this directive are significant for individuals eligible for resettlement as well as for ongoing national security strategies.

Original Source: www.livemint.com