The Trump administration is preparing a travel ban affecting Muslim-majority countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, following a security review. Reports suggest an impending “red” list of nations barred from U.S. entry could emerge as early as next week. The implications for Afghan citizens awaiting resettlement are particularly significant, with potential exemptions for certain visa holders being uncertain.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to implement a travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, as part of a review assessing security and vetting risks associated with these nations. According to a Reuters report referencing multiple sources, additional countries may also be considered for the ban, although specifics are not yet available.
The New York Times has indicated that a proposed “red” list of nations would restrict entry to U.S. citizens from abroad. The previous iteration of Trump’s travel ban, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, included nations such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, which are expected to persist in the new prohibitions.
If sanctioned, the ban could be enacted as early as next week, with Trump’s immigration measures gaining urgency during his second term. In an October 2023 speech, he suggested further restrictions on individuals from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and potentially other regions considered security threats.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order mandating higher security vetting requirements for foreigners seeking admission to the United States, identifying countries with inadequate vetting processes. Both Reuters and the New York Times have reported that Afghanistan may be added to this list of restricted nations, despite tens of thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement in the U.S. under Special Immigrant Visas.
The State Department’s resettlement office is advocating for allowances for Special Immigrant Visa holders amid the looming travel ban; however, sources indicate that such exemptions may be unlikely to be granted. Additionally, Pakistan is also under consideration for inclusion in the travel restrictions, which would further affect its citizens’ ability to enter the United States.
In summary, the Trump administration is poised to impose a new travel ban impacting Afghan and Pakistani citizens, among others, based on security evaluations. This proposed ban could be broader than prior iterations and may take effect imminently. Advocacy for exemptions for Special Immigrant Visa holders seeks to address humanitarian concerns as the new restrictions loom.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
