The Trump administration has imposed a travel ban on Bhutan, categorizing it in the Red List alongside conflict-ridden nations. Bhutanese nationals face heightened scrutiny due to a significant percentage violating visa regulations, raising national security concerns. This ban may disrupt US-Bhutan relations and complicate visa processes for citizens, prompting Bhutan’s government to request reconsideration.
The United States government, under the Trump administration, has instituted travel bans affecting 43 countries, categorized into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists, with the Red List facing the most stringent restrictions. Notably, countries such as Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria are included due to their unstable conditions and fraught diplomatic relations with the US. Bhutan’s placement on the Red List has raised eyebrows, as it is typically recognized as one of the happiest nations globally.
A significant factor contributing to Bhutan’s inclusion in the Red List is the high rate of visa violations by its nationals, particularly overstaying beyond permitted durations. This situation has created national security concerns for US authorities. Moreover, there has been an increase in illegal entries into the United States by Bhutanese individuals, prompting further alarm among immigration officials.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, last year, 37% of visitors from Bhutan failed to comply with visa regulations. The imposition of the Red List now necessitates that Bhutanese citizens face more rigorous screening during the visa application process, and some applications may be denied without any explanation.
The tightening of restrictions not only complicates visa acquisition for Bhutanese citizens but also imposes additional scrutiny on those currently residing in the US. This development poses considerable difficulties for Bhutanese students and professionals who often travel to the US for educational and employment pursuits. Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally appealed to the US government to reconsider this decision, signaling potential diplomatic strains between the two nations.
Among the 11 countries on the Red List, the others are predominantly characterized by unrest and conflict, making travel bans more justifiable in those contexts. The inclusion of Bhutan, however, remains unexpected and has prompted discussions regarding the implications for US-Bhutan relations.
In summary, the US government’s decision to include Bhutan in its Red List travel ban stems from concerns over visa violations and illegal immigration by Bhutanese nationals. This move is set to complicate the visa process for Bhutanese citizens and could strain diplomatic ties between the two nations, despite their historically positive relations. The serious implications of this decision warrant further consideration from US officials to preserve bilateral cooperation.
Original Source: www.india.com
