The Trump administration is set to revive and expand travel bans, proposing a “red” list of countries that would include Afghanistan. The policy draws from past restrictions and raises alarm for resettlement organizations urging Afghan nationals to return to the U.S. before a complete ban is enacted.
The Trump administration is preparing to reinstitute and expand travel bans for specific countries, building on policies initiated during President Trump’s campaign in 2015. Officials revealed that a draft recommendation is being circulated, proposing a comprehensive list of countries from which citizens could be barred entry into the United States. This list, referred to as a “red” list, reportedly resembles previous iterations of travel bans introduced in Trump’s first term.
The current draft primarily includes nations that were previously affected by travel restrictions. Such countries include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Furthermore, there is a tentative suggestion to include Afghanistan, indicating that citizens from Afghanistan may also face a complete ban from entering the United States.
Shawn VanDiver, the director of a nonprofit organization aiding Afghan resettlement, expressed concerns upon learning of the impending travel ban affecting Afghan nationals. In response, his organization issued an urgent statement, warning those with valid visas outside the United States to return immediately due to the impending restrictions on Afghan travelers. Reports later corroborated that Afghanistan is being recommended for a comprehensive travel ban.
In summary, the Trump administration is advancing plans to enforce a new and broader travel ban affecting various countries, including adding Afghanistan to the list of nations from which entry will be prohibited. This development raises significant concern among resettlement organizations and impacted individuals, urging Afghans currently outside the United States to return promptly to avoid being subjected to the complete ban.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com