Potential U.S. Travel Ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan Highlights Immigration Policy Shift

The U.S. may soon implement a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of an expanded version of the Muslim ban. This follows new reviews of visa and vetting processes initiated by President Trump. While officials in Pakistan remain hopeful about their exclusion from the ban, significant implications are anticipated for Afghan individuals seeking resettlement due to their ties to U.S. efforts in the region.

The United States is poised to potentially implement a travel ban on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as early as next week. This initiative, influenced by President Donald Trump’s desire to reinstate and possibly expand the Muslim ban from his initial term, follows a process review of visa approvals and visitor vetting as of March 12. Shawn Vandiver, head of AfghanEvac, relayed that specific countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, may face restrictions, although there are hopes for exemptions for refugees from these nations.

Pakistani officials remain hopeful regarding the exclusion of Pakistan from the travel ban list, owing to President Trump’s recent commendations of the nation’s assistance in apprehending a suspect involved in the lethal Kabul airport bombing in August 2021. During a congressional address, President Trump acknowledged the Pakistani government’s support in this operation, stating, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster.” This sentiment indicates a complex relationship in the context of new policy language regarding travel.

The Trump administration, following a January executive order, is evaluating countries for which security risks would justify limiting entry. Reports suggest that a ban broader than the original travel ban initiated in January 2017 may soon materialize, potentially affecting a significant number of Afghans and Pakistanis, including tens of thousands approved for resettlement or Special Immigrant Visas due to their association with the U.S. military.

As of 2021, estimates indicated that approximately 629,946 U.S. residents identified as of Pakistani descent, and newer analyses suggest the number may exceed one million. Furthermore, more than 10,000 Pakistani international students are currently enrolled in U.S. educational institutions. Conversely, around 200,000 Afghans are in various stages of the resettlement process or hold pending refugee application statuses, many of whom have been trapped in Afghanistan and various countries since a refugee admission freeze began on January 20.

In conclusion, the potential extension of a travel ban to Pakistan and Afghanistan underscores a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy under President Trump. While Pakistani officials express optimism regarding their exclusion from such measures, the implications for Afghan individuals awaiting resettlement and protection could be profound. The proposed travel restrictions continue to reflect the complexities of international relations and national security concerns amidst ongoing humanitarian considerations.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com