Former President Donald Trump is expected to revive a travel ban, potentially affecting countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. An executive order has tasked cabinet members with drafting a list of nations for travel restrictions. This could impact many Afghans seeking resettlement due to their assistance to U.S. forces. Historical context includes previous bans upheld by the Supreme Court.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to reinstate a travel ban affecting several countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, potentially as soon as next week. This decision follows an executive order issued on January 20, which instructs cabinet members to compile a list of nations facing full or partial travel restrictions due to insufficient vetting and screening processes. Trump had previously pledged to “restore the travel ban” on his first day in office, a promise that was not realized during his presidency.
Historically, Trump’s travel bans impacted seven percent of the global population and mainly included majority-Muslim countries, a policy upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Additional nations that may reappear on the new list include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Reports suggest that the inclusion of Afghanistan would significantly affect thousands of Afghans eligible for Special Immigrant Visas for their assistance to U.S. military efforts.
Currently, about 200,000 Afghans with pending Special Immigrant Visa applications are at risk as they face potential retribution from the Taliban. Although the State Department might request exemptions for these individuals, sources indicate that approval is not guaranteed. Again, the coalition group AfghanEvac issued a critical travel notice urging Afghans with valid U.S. visas to arrange travel as imminent changes are expected.
The last major travel ban instituted by Trump emerged in January 2017, preventing entry to travelers (even green card holders) from select Muslim-majority countries. Despite repeated legal challenges that struck down initial attempts, Trump ultimately established a version of the ban affecting six countries that the Supreme Court upheld in 2018. This ban remained until President Joe Biden rescinded it in 2021.
The potential revival of a travel ban by former President Trump raises significant concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as Afghan nationals who aided U.S. military efforts. The inclusion of countries historically impacted by travel restrictions reflects ongoing security perceptions, despite the legal challenges faced previously. Coordination by humanitarian groups highlights the urgent need for support for those seeking resettlement under the threat of Taliban reprisals, as the situation continues to evolve. Anguish remains within the community as many await outcomes regarding their eligibility for exemption amidst a reinstated travel ban.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
