The Trump administration is preparing to expand its travel ban to include a new “red” list of countries, primarily those previously restricted. Afghanistan may also be added, prompting urgent responses from advocates for Afghan citizens currently abroad. This initiative continues the administration’s focus on stringent immigration policies.
The Trump administration is advancing plans to implement a renewed travel ban that is expected to be more extensive than previous iterations. This initiative arises as a continuation of President Trump’s original policies, which were influenced by his campaign promise to restrict Muslim entry into the United States. As reported by officials familiar with the discussions, a proposed “red” list is being circulated that would categorize certain countries whose citizens would face travel prohibitions.
The current draft of the travel ban predominantly includes countries that were previously restricted under earlier travel bans initiated by President Trump. Notable nations on this list include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Furthermore, the proposal suggests that Afghanistan may also be added to this list, subjecting its nationals to a complete travel ban.
Shawn VanDiver, an advocate for Afghan resettlement, revealed that Afghan citizens are anticipated to face a total travel ban. In light of these developments, VanDiver’s organization issued an urgent statement, warning, “Afghan Travel Ban coming,” and advising those with valid visas outside the U.S. to return promptly. Subsequently, media outlets confirmed that Afghanistan is likely to be included in this restrictive measure, heightening concerns among those affected.
In summary, the Trump administration is poised to introduce a more comprehensive travel ban, extending previous prohibitions to include additional countries, notably Afghanistan. Advocates and organizations are responding with urgency, emphasizing the implications for citizens of affected nations. This move reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to strict immigration control, reigniting concerns over its impact on national security and humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
