A draft travel ban list by former President Trump includes Bhutan, surprisingly categorized as a “red” country subject to a ban. Bhutan is known for prioritizing happiness and sustainability over economic growth, yet concerns about visa overstays may have influenced its classification. This listing raises questions about international relations and has elicited reactions from Bhutanese officials.
Former President Trump has circulated a draft travel ban list categorizing countries into “red,” “orange,” and “yellow” designations. The “red” list indicates an automatic ban for citizens of those nations. Notably, Bhutan—a small nation famed for prioritizing happiness over economic growth—has been included among the countries slated for this stringent treatment. This listing raises questions given Bhutan’s longstanding commitment to political neutrality and sustainable living.
Bhutan is recognized for its unique policy of pursuing “Gross National Happiness” instead of traditional economic metrics. It maintains a strict environmental stance, being the only carbon-negative country globally, largely due to its extensive forestry and dedication to green energy. Tourism is heavily regulated, featuring a daily Sustainable Development Fee aimed at striking a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.
Historically, Bhutan has enforced strict measures to insulate itself from outside influence, delaying the introduction of television and the internet until 1999. Additionally, there is a controversial aspect to its cultural preservation efforts, particularly the “One Nation, One People” policy, which led to citizenship revocations and displacements of non-Buddhist communities in the late 1980s and 1990s, notably affecting Nepali-speaking Hindus. This has drawn significant attention from organizations advocating for refugee rights, as many of these refugees have now settled in the United States.
One plausible reason for Bhutan’s inclusion on Trump’s travel list may be linked to an elevated rate of visa overstays by Bhutanese nationals. Recent reports indicate a 12.71 percent overstay rate among Bhutanese visa holders, prompting U.S. officials to express concerns over irregular migration. However, this statistic reflects a very small actual number, translating to only about 23 individuals.
In contrast, Bhutan’s historical data indicates a stable diaspora of around 24,000 persons residing in the U.S. over recent years. Noteworthy political responses from Bhutanese leaders, such as former politician Karma Loday, have objected to this designation, arguing it inaccurately associates their nation with contexts relating to terrorism and military hostility, \”I feel it is unfair for whatever reason to have my beloved country enlisted with some of the countries with terrorism history.\”
In conclusion, the inclusion of Bhutan on the draft travel ban list by former President Trump raises significant discussions about international relations, migration patterns, and perceptions of national security. Bhutan’s emphasis on happiness and environmental sustainability contrasts starkly with the reasons presented for its categorization as a “red” country. The low actual numbers of visa overstays challenge the justification behind the ban, while reactions from Bhutanese political figures highlight the concern for misrepresentation in global diplomatic contexts.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
