Trump Administration’s New Travel Ban Could Impede Afghan and Pakistani Citizens

The Trump administration plans to implement a new travel ban affecting Muslim-majority countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan, based on security concerns. The enforcement may start imminently, with exemptions for certain visa holders being uncertain. This policy expands upon earlier restrictions upheld by the Supreme Court.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to implement a new travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, following a government security review. According to Reuters, while the specific countries impacted remain uncertain, the New York Times indicates that the new ban may extend to additional nations beyond those previously listed.

A proposed “red” list of nations could prevent citizens from entering the United States, reminiscent of earlier restrictions enforced during Trump’s first term, which included Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. The Supreme Court upheld the previous travel ban in 2018, and reports suggest that the new restrictions could be enacted as early as next week.

This initiative aligns with Trump’s immigration policies introduced during his second term. In a speech in October 2023, Trump expressed intentions to limit entry from locations he perceives as security threats, such as the Gaza Strip and a list of specified countries.

In a reinforcing executive order issued on January 20, Trump mandated stricter vetting for foreigners seeking U.S. admission, instructing cabinet members to identify countries with inadequate screening processes by March 21.

Sources indicate that Afghanistan may be newly affected by this travel ban, despite tens of thousands of Afghans being prepared for resettlement under refugee or Special Immigrant Visa programs. Furthermore, the State Department is pursuing an exemption for holders of Special Immigrant Visas from this ban, although the likelihood of approval remains uncertain. Additionally, Pakistan is also reported to be at risk of inclusion in the travel ban restrictions.

In summary, the Trump administration’s potential travel ban could significantly impact citizens from Afghanistan and Pakistan, amid an overall tightening of immigration policies. With planned enforcement as early as next week, further implications for Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders remain unclear. The ongoing security reviews and proposed country lists will be crucial in determining the future of U.S. entry for these individuals.

Original Source: www.livemint.com