Former President Trump is contemplating a new travel ban targeting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and possibly other nations, as indicated by his latest executive directive. This initiative echoes his former travel bans, affecting predominantly Muslim countries, which faced various legal challenges. The implications are significant for thousands of Afghans seeking safety after assisting U.S. troops.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering implementing a new travel ban affecting multiple countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, possibly as soon as next week. This initiative follows an executive order he issued on January 20, which directed cabinet members to formulate a list of nations facing travel restrictions due to insufficient vetting and screening processes. Trump had initially vowed to restore the travel ban on his first day in office, a promise that he had not fulfilled during his presidency.
During his first term, Trump enacted travel bans impacting predominantly Muslim nations, a policy later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. This ban affected approximately seven percent of the global population. The current reports indicate that Afghanistan and Pakistan will likely be part of the new travel restrictions and that other countries from Trump’s previous list could also be included. This list previously consisted of countries such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
The potential travel ban on Afghanistan raises significant concerns for Afghans who have applied for Special Immigrant Visas after assisting U.S. military forces. Currently, around 200,000 Afghans are waiting for either resettlement or visa approval, as they face threats from the Taliban due to their connections with American troops. Although the State Department could seek exemptions for these individuals, there is skepticism regarding the likelihood of such exemptions being granted.
In conclusion, former President Trump’s potential revival of a travel ban could have serious implications for nationals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly for those awaiting resettlement after serving U.S. forces. This situation recalls the previous travel bans during Trump’s presidency, which faced significant legal challenges and ended with varying degrees of implementation. The impending actions of the State Department regarding exemptions for affected individuals remain uncertain, highlighting ongoing concerns for vulnerable populations amidst evolving immigration policies.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
