Bhutan’s Surprising Inclusion on Trump’s Draft Travel Ban List

President Trump’s draft travel ban list includes Bhutan, a nation known for prioritizing happiness. This inclusion raises questions as most countries on the list are traditionally at odds with U.S. interests. Bhutan’s focus on Gross National Happiness and environmental sustainability contrasts sharply with the considerations that seem to have influenced its categorization as a ‘red’ country, potentially due to concerns over visa overstays.

President Trump has proposed a travel ban list wherein Bhutan, a nation renowned for its focus on happiness over economic metrics, finds itself perplexingly categorized as a ‘red’ country. This undocumented list segments nations into colors, determining the nature of access to the United States. While the bulk of the countries listed are those that have strained diplomatic ties with the U.S., such as Afghanistan and Iran, Bhutan’s inclusion raises eyebrows due to its distinct cultural identity and values.

Bhutan, with a population under 800,000, is globally recognized for embracing a philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which guides its legislation and policies. The nation’s dedication to environmental sustainability is exemplified by its status as the only carbon-negative country. Tourism is controlled to ensure benefits are balanced with the preservation of culture and ecology, imposing a Sustainable Development Fee on visitors, a practice in place since the 1970s.

The country’s historical context reveals a commitment to maintaining cultural integrity which, however, has faced criticism. The “One Nation, One People” policy, introduced in 1985, led to significant challenges for minority groups, particularly for Nepali-speaking Hindus. The U.S. has historically accommodated Bhutanese refugees from this crisis, with a significant population now settled in Ohio, highlighting complex humanitarian efforts.

Trump’s reasons for listing Bhutan as a ‘red’ nation remain ambiguous but may stem from concerns regarding irregular migration patterns. Data suggests a higher than usual overstay rate for Bhutanese nationals on tourist visas, which is perceived as a national security concern by U.S. authorities. However, given Bhutan’s small population, the actual number of overstays amounts to just 23 individuals, showcasing the disparity between perception and reality.

The Pew Research Center tracks about 24,000 Bhutanese residing in the U.S., a number that has remained stable over recent years. Former Bhutanese politician Karma Loday voiced concerns about Bhutan’s designation, arguing, “I feel it is unfair for whatever reason to have my beloved country enlisted with some of the countries with terrorism history.” This sentiment underscores the complexity of immigration policies and their implications for nations in the global conversation.

This proposed inclusion is not unprecedented; Bhutan had faced similar immigration measures during the previous Trump administration, indicating ongoing scrutiny of Bhutanese citizens. Such policies reveal the complex interplay between national security and diplomatic relations as they relate to cultural and historical contexts.

The inclusion of Bhutan on President Trump’s proposed ‘red list’ travel ban prompts considerable debate, considering its commitment to happiness and sustainability. Issues of irregular migration alongside historical contexts reveal tensions between immigration policies and the cultural integrity of Bhutan. This controversy encapsulates a broader dialogue about fairness in national security assessments, particularly in relation to countries with unique cultural identities. The ongoing monitoring of Bhutanese nationals’ visa overstays further complicates this intricate relationship.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk