Donald Trump is poised to revive a travel ban potentially affecting countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, following an executive order for travel restrictions due to inadequate vetting. The available list may also include previously targeted nations. A significant concern arises for Afghans awaiting resettlement after assisting U.S. troops, amid reports of upcoming announcements.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to revive a travel ban impacting several countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. This initiative comes after Trump issued an executive order directing cabinet members to draft a list of nations for potential full or partial travel restrictions due to insufficient vetting procedures. During his initial presidency, Trump implemented a travel ban that was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, affecting approximately seven percent of the global population.
The potential list may include countries such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, alongside Afghanistan and Pakistan, as indicated by credible news sources like Reuters and The New York Times. Specifically, a ban on Afghanistan is particularly concerning as it may adversely impact about 200,000 Afghans who are either awaiting resettlement due to their contributions to U.S. military efforts or whose applications for Special Immigrant Visas are pending.
The State Department might seek exemptions for those Afghans who have applied for resettlement; however, sources indicate that such requests are not guaranteed to be met favorably. Amid growing concerns, the coalition AfghanEvac released an urgent travel notice reminding Afghans with valid U.S. visas to arrange for travel promptly, as a travel ban announcement may be imminent.
Trump’s history with travel bans began in January 2017, where his initial attempt was met with severe legal obstacles, leading to a revised version that also faced court challenges. Ultimately, a third iteration was upheld by the Supreme Court, influencing immigration policy until it was rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The potential revival of Trump’s travel ban raises significant concerns, primarily regarding the impact on Afghan nationals eligible for resettlement. This move not only echoes Trump’s previous policies but also highlights ongoing debates surrounding immigration security and visa regulations. As developments unfold, it remains crucial for affected individuals to remain informed and prepared for possible changes.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
