Potential Expansion of US Travel Ban to Pakistan and Afghanistan

The US may impose a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump revives parts of the previous Muslim ban. A report on the visa approval review is forthcoming, and advocacy groups express urgency for the resettlement of Afghans. Pakistani officials remain hopeful for exclusion from the ban amid diplomatic gestures, but the potential impact on thousands of refugees is concerning.

The United States may soon institute a travel ban potentially affecting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as the administration of President Donald Trump considers reinstating aspects of the prior Muslim ban. A report addressing this review is expected to reach the White House on March 12, following a directive from the President in January to evaluate visa-approval processes and enhance visitor vetting requirements. Advocacy groups, such as AfghanEvac, emphasize urgency, as many Afghans are awaiting potential travel to the US.

Shawn Vandiver, head of AfghanEvac, noted, “We expect [the Trump administration] to take action very quickly. There are several countries on the list, the nationals of which will not be able to come here.” Although there are hopes that refugees might be exempt from this ban, no conclusive determination has been released. Officials have indicated that both Afghanistan and Pakistan may be included in the countries facing full suspension of entry.

Amid the discussions, Pakistani officials express optimism regarding their nation’s exclusion from the ban, bolstered by recent praise from Trump regarding Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending a suspect involved in a deadly suicide bombing during the Afghanistan withdrawal. Mr. Trump remarked, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” underscoring diplomatic relations with Islamabad.

The administration’s ongoing review addresses concerns about inadequate vetting and screening processes from certain countries. Reports suggest that this impending ban could be wider in scope than previous iterations established in Trump’s first term, which affected several Middle Eastern nations and resulted in significant travel disruptions and legal challenges. The anticipated travel restrictions may endanger the futures of tens of thousands of Afghans eligible for resettlement due to their previous associations with US military operations.

According to estimates, in 2021, approximately 629,946 individuals of Pakistani descent resided in the US, with more recent figures potentially exceeding one million. Presently, about 200,000 Afghans have received approval for US resettlement or hold pending Special Immigrant Visa applications; many are currently in precarious situations across multiple nations, including Pakistan, following President Trump’s order to freeze refugee admissions and foreign aid.

While the Pakistan embassy in Washington has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the ban, the State Department has refrained from commenting on internal deliberations. Should the ban be enacted, it is anticipated that it could significantly impact both countries’ nationals while altering the landscape of US immigration policy.

In summary, the potential travel ban including Pakistan and Afghanistan marks a continuation of heightened scrutiny in US immigration policies reinstated by the Trump administration. As the White House prepares to implement new restrictions, the implications for Afghans and Pakistanis awaiting resettlement—particularly those at risk of Taliban retribution—remain profound. Despite optimism from Pakistani officials, the situation continues to evolve, highlighting ongoing diplomatic nuances and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the region.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com