The Trump administration plans to implement a new travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, based on a security review. This initiative reflects a continuation of Trump’s immigration policies and may affect upcoming resettlements for Afghan refugees.
The Trump administration is preparing to impose a new travel ban targeting Muslim-majority nations, specifically including Pakistan and Afghanistan, pending a government review of security and vetting issues. According to a Reuters report based on three sources, this list may extend to additional countries, although specific names remain undisclosed. The New York Times indicated that a draft recommendation has surfaced, designating a “red” list of nations whose citizens may be barred from entering the United States.
During Trump’s previous term, the travel ban affected countries such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, which are anticipated to remain on the updated list. The policy has undergone numerous revisions but was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. If the review is finalized, the new travel ban could be enacted as early as next week, as reported by Reuters.
This directive is aligned with Trump’s immigration policy focus at the beginning of his second term. During a speech in October 2023, he reiterated plans to restrict entry from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and any areas posing a security threat. An executive order was issued on January 20, mandating enhanced security vetting for foreigners seeking U.S. entry to identify potential national security risks.
The executive order required cabinet members to deliver a list by March 21 of countries from which travel should be suspended due to inadequate vetting and screening mechanisms. Both Reuters and the New York Times reported that Afghanistan could be newly introduced to this list of restricted countries. This decision significantly impacts the tens of thousands of Afghans who have been cleared for resettlement in the U.S. as refugees or through Special Immigrant Visas.
The State Department office responsible for overseeing these resettlements is pursuing exemptions for Special Immigrant Visa holders, although such exemptions are deemed unlikely, according to a source cited by Reuters. In addition to Afghanistan, the possibility of including Pakistan in the travel ban list has emerged, further complicating the situation for potential travelers from these nations.
In summary, the Trump administration is poised to announce a travel ban affecting citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan, following a security review. The policy seeks to bolster immigration restrictions and enhance security vetting for foreigners. Although the ban could be implemented soon, there remain significant implications for Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in the U.S. and the likelihood of exemptions for affected individuals is uncertain.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
