Donald Trump may soon reinstate a travel ban affecting Afghanistan and Pakistan along with other nations previously targeted during his first term. The ban could jeopardize the resettlement of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces, with many waiting for visa approvals. Historical legal challenges trace the evolution and ultimate repeal of previous travel bans implemented by Trump.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to reinstate a travel ban encompassing travelers from countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, possibly as soon as next week. Following an executive order issued on January 20, Trump directed his cabinet to prepare a list of nations facing travel restrictions due to deficiencies in their vetting and screening processes.
During his initial term, Trump successfully instituted a travel ban affecting several majority-Muslim countries, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. This policy impacted approximately seven percent of the global population. Reports suggest that, in addition to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the potential list may include countries targeted during Trump’s first term, including Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
The proposed travel ban may have severe implications for Afghans who have sought resettlement in the United States after assisting U.S. military operations over the past two decades. Approximately 200,000 Afghan individuals are currently awaiting approval for Special Immigrant Visas. Although the State Department might seek exemptions for these individuals, such requests are not guaranteed to be approved.
A coalition of groups, AfghanEvac, has alerted those eligible for resettlement with a notice emphasizing the urgency of making travel arrangements if they possess valid U.S. visas, hinting at an imminent travel ban. The statement suggests that while no official announcement has been made, government sources indicate action may soon follow.
In January 2017, Trump’s initial travel ban faced judicial challenges and was ultimately struck down. Subsequent versions of the ban encountered similar obstacles until a final iteration was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, remaining effective until President Joe Biden rescinded it in 2021.
In summary, Donald Trump’s potential travel ban could refocus attention on countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, reminiscent of his previous policies. The ban poses significant risks for individuals seeking safety after assisting U.S. forces, with approximately 200,000 Afghans awaiting resettlement. While historical context reveals previous iterations of similar bans and their legal challenges, the future implementation remains uncertain and controversial.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
