Impending US Travel Restrictions on Pakistan and Afghanistan Await Final Decision

The United States is considering a new travel ban that may include Pakistan and Afghanistan, based on a report expected on March 12. Shawn Vandiver of #AfghanEvac conveys concerns about the restrictions’ implications for refugees. Although Pakistani officials are hopeful for exemption, significant challenges remain for thousands awaiting resettlement in the US due to Trump’s executive order reviewing national security risks.

Recent reports indicate that the United States may soon impose travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, potentially expanding the existing travel ban initiated during President Donald Trump’s first term. Shawn Vandiver, head of the AfghanEvac coalition, revealed that the administration is expected to receive a critical report on this matter on March 12, following an earlier directive from Mr. Trump aimed at reviewing visa approval processes and enhancing visitor vetting procedures.

Vandiver expressed concerns about the implications of the potential ban, stating, “We hope that refugees would be exempt from this ban … but no final decision has been made yet. We are told, however, that Afghanistan, Pakistan and several others are on the list as full suspension countries.” Meanwhile, Pakistani officials appear hopeful that their country may be spared from the travel restrictions, particularly given recent positive remarks from senior US officials regarding Pakistan’s cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.

During an address to Congress, President Trump acknowledged the Pakistani government’s assistance in apprehending a suspect linked to a significant bombing in Kabul, stating, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster.” His earlier executive order from January directed federal agencies to assess countries based on their national security risks, potentially leading to further travel bans.

The implications for Afghan and Pakistani nationals could be severe, potentially impacting tens of thousands seeking resettlement in the US as refugees. Reports suggest that the new travel ban could affect Afghans approved for resettlement or holding Special Immigrant Visas due to their past collaborations with US forces, placing them at risk amid ongoing Taliban hostilities. The US Census Bureau estimates that there were approximately 629,946 US residents of Pakistani descent in 2021; however, recent estimates may indicate over a million.

The estimated figures also include over ten thousand Pakistani students currently pursuing higher education in the United States. Additionally, there are around 200,000 Afghans awaiting US resettlement or pending refugee application approvals, many of whom have been left stranded in Afghanistan and various countries, including Pakistan, since a freeze on refugee admissions was put in place by Mr. Trump on January 20.

The potential reinstatement of travel restrictions on Pakistan and Afghanistan underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding US immigration policy. The initiative could severely affect many individuals seeking refuge and resettlement amid ongoing threats. While there may be hope for exemptions for certain categories of refugees, the overall impact remains uncertain as discussions continue within the US administration.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com