The Trump administration is evaluating a new travel ban affecting 43 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia, categorized into Red, Orange, and Yellow Lists. This will impose varying travel restrictions, requiring in-person visa interviews for those on the Orange List. Several countries could face complete visa suspensions, while others will have a 60-day compliance period to address security issues.
The Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that may affect citizens from up to 43 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia, as reported by The New York Times. Security officials have drafted recommendations to categorize these nations into three distinct groups: Red, Orange, and Yellow, aimed at restricting travel into the United States.
Countries designated on the Red List would face a complete entry ban, while those on the Orange List, which includes Pakistan and Russia, would experience rigorous travel restrictions instead of an outright prohibition. While affluent business travelers from these nations may still be permitted entry, applicants for immigrant and tourist visas would encounter stricter regulations, including mandatory in-person interviews, according to the report.
Additional countries identified on the Orange List consist of Myanmar, Belarus, Haiti, Laos, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan. On the other hand, 10 countries, including Afghanistan and Bhutan, have been put on the Red List, indicating their citizens could experience a full visa suspension.
The Red List also includes Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Moreover, the proposal outlines a Yellow List of 22 countries that will be allowed 60 days to rectify perceived issues, with the risk of being moved to stricter categories if compliance is not achieved.
Countries on the Yellow List include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, and others. Issues cited involve failures in sharing traveler information with the U.S. and security practices related to passport issuance that may allow loopholes for entering those banned countries.
This potential travel ban represents the second occurrence of such restrictions during Trump’s presidency, following a prior ban affecting citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
In summary, the Trump administration is contemplating a significant travel ban affecting 43 countries, classified into three distinct lists. With varying degrees of restrictions, nations like Pakistan and Russia could see limited access, while others face full visa suspensions. The administration aims to address national security concerns through stringent travel protocols and the reestablishment of previous policies relating to travel restrictions.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
