US Travel Ban: An Analysis of Bhutan’s Surprising Inclusion

The US under Trump has instituted a travel ban affecting 43 countries, categorizing them into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists. Bhutan’s unexpected inclusion in the Red List is attributed to high visa violation rates among its citizens, raising national security concerns and potentially straining US-Bhutan relations. Bhutanese nationals will now face stricter visa application processes and increased scrutiny.

The US government under President Donald Trump has adopted increasingly stringent travel policies, leading to the creation of a travel ban list that includes 43 countries categorized into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists. Notably, the Red List is designated for countries facing severe travel restrictions, including those with significant instability and strained diplomatic relations with the US. Surprisingly, Bhutan—often considered one of the happiest nations—has been included on this list.

A primary factor for Bhutan’s inclusion is a notable percentage of its citizens violating US visa regulations, primarily by overstaying their permits. This has raised concerns regarding national security. Additionally, there has been a reported increase in the number of Bhutanese attempting to enter the US through unauthorized means, prompting further scrutiny from US authorities.

The US Department of Homeland Security highlighted that approximately 37% of Bhutanese visitors violated their visa conditions last year. As a consequence, Bhutanese nationals now face rigorous screening processes before visa issuance, with many applications potentially being denied without explanation.

The recent policy changes not only complicate the visa application process for Bhutanese citizens but also impose additional scrutiny on those already residing in the US. This shift poses significant challenges, particularly for Bhutanese students and professionals seeking educational and work opportunities. Additionally, the decision may impact the usually favorable diplomatic relations between the US and Bhutan, prompting Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally urge a reconsideration of the travel ban.

The Red List primarily encompasses countries grappling with turmoil and conflict, such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Syria. While the rationale for a travel ban on these regions is evident, Bhutan’s inclusion has raised eyebrows and questions among observers.

The inclusion of Bhutan in the US travel ban under the Trump administration is based on concerns regarding visa violations and unauthorized entries by Bhutanese citizens. This decision potentially jeopardizes the mobility of Bhutanese professionals and students, while also affecting the diplomatic rapport between the two nations. As the situation unfolds, Bhutanese officials have urged for a reevaluation of the imposed travel restrictions.

Original Source: www.india.com