Trump’s Potential Revival of Travel Ban: A Closer Look at Affected Nations

Former President Trump may revive travel bans on countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, with potential implementation as early as next week. This follows an executive directive to identify nations facing travel restrictions due to inadequate vetting processes. The implications for Afghans seeking resettlement after assisting U.S. military efforts are significant, with reports indicating urgency for individuals to secure travel arrangements.

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to reinstate a travel ban targeting individuals from countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, potentially as early as next week. This initiative follows an executive order issued on January 20, directing his cabinet members to identify countries that should face full or partial travel restrictions due to inadequate “vetting and screening information.” Trump had promised to revive the travel ban on the first day of his presidency, a commitment he did not fulfill during his term.

During his initial tenure, Trump successfully enacted travel restrictions aimed at several majority-Muslim nations, a policy eventually upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. These restrictions affected approximately seven percent of the global population. According to reports from Reuters, Afghanistan and Pakistan are likely to be included in the new list, alongside other nations previously targeted, such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

A potential travel ban on Afghanistan could have serious implications for many Afghans seeking resettlement. Approximately 200,000 Afghans, who have either applied for or have been approved for Special Immigrant Visas due to their service alongside US forces, may find their resettlement in jeopardy. While the State Department could seek exemptions for these individuals, uncertainty remains regarding the likelihood of approval.

Amidst these developments, the coalition AfghanEvac has issued a warning to Afghan nationals, stating, “If you have a valid U.S. visa in your passport or travel document, you should make travel arrangements immediately… a travel ban for Afghan nationals may be announced within the next week.”

Trump’s initial travel ban was first enacted in January 2017, prohibiting entry for travelers—including green card holders—from seven Muslim-majority countries. Legal challenges resulted in multiple revisions, with his third version eventually being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 and remaining in effect until it was repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

In summary, there are serious discussions regarding reinstating a travel ban by former President Trump, particularly affecting countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. This move raises substantial concerns about the fate of many Afghans who aided U.S. operations and are currently seeking refuge. The implications of such a ban echo the challenges faced during Trump’s previous travel restrictions, reminding us of the complexities surrounding immigration policies.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk