Potential Revival of Trump’s Travel Ban: Implications for Affected Countries

Donald Trump is considering reinstating a travel ban that may include countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. The potential ban raises concerns for Afghans awaiting resettlement visas after serving U.S. forces. Past travel bans under Trump faced legal challenges, impacting several majority-Muslim countries and triggering significant discussions on immigration policy.

Former President Donald Trump may soon propose a travel ban affecting individuals from countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, as reported by various outlets. This potential action follows an executive order he issued directing cabinet members to identify nations with inadequate vetting and screening processes, where full or partial travel restrictions could be applied. Initially, Trump pledged to reinstate a travel ban on his first day in office but did not fulfill this promise.

During his first term, Trump enacted a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, a policy defended by the Supreme Court in 2018. Estimates suggest that this travel restriction impacted approximately seven percent of the global population. According to reports, the list of affected countries may extend beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan to possibly include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, as noted by The New York Times and Reuters.

A travel ban on Afghanistan could jeopardize the resettlement of around 200,000 Afghans who have applied for or received Special Immigrant Visas due to their support of US military efforts. These individuals face significant threats from the Taliban for their past actions. While the State Department could advocate for exemptions for these individuals, sources indicate that such requests may not be readily accepted.

Furthermore, a group known as AfghanEvac, which is dedicated to facilitating the resettlement process, alerted Afghans through a statement urging them to arrange travel if they possess valid U.S. visas. The statement cautioned that while no changes have officially been communicated, a travel ban specifically concerning Afghan nationals could be announced in the near future.

In January 2017, Trump’s initial travel ban was aimed at several Muslim-majority countries, which included restrictions on travelers and green card holders. Following judicial challenges, Trump revised the ban, which eventually excluded Iraq and green card holders. The final version of the ban—targeting six Muslim-majority nations and North Korea—was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, remaining in effect until rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021.

In summary, Donald Trump’s potential revival of a travel ban could affect nations including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others previously targeted during his first term. Such restrictions may have serious implications for Afghans seeking resettlement after aiding U.S. military efforts. The history of Trump’s travel bans reveals the contentious nature of immigration policies, which impact thousands and continue to generate debate and legal scrutiny.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk