US Travel Ban May Extend to Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Security Concerns
The US is considering a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump revisits earlier Muslim ban policies. A report on these potential restrictions is due soon, amidst urgent calls for support for Afghan evacuees. The move could significantly affect those pending resettlement visas, with officials expressing both hope and concern regarding refugee exemptions.
The US government is considering the addition of Pakistan and Afghanistan to a revised travel ban as early as next week, reviving an initiative reminiscent of the previous Muslim ban. President Donald Trump has initiated a review of visa approval processes, leading to the possibility of enhanced vetting for visitors from certain countries, specifically naming Pakistan and Afghanistan as potential full suspension countries.
Shawn Vandiver, leader of AfghanEvac, indicated that a report regarding the travel ban would be presented to the White House on March 12. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating there are multiple countries on the list where nationals would likely be prohibited from entering the US. While he hopes refugees will be exempt from the ban, he confirmed that no final decisions have been made yet.
Reports suggest that Pakistani officials are optimistic about exclusion from the ban, attributed to Trump’s recent commendations of Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending a suspect involved in a deadly bombing. US officials have acknowledged Pakistan’s role in capturing a suspect linked to a 2021 Kabul airport bombing that resulted in the deaths of US servicemen.
Trump’s executive order seeks to identify nations with inadequate vetting processes, which could prompt a full or partial suspension of entry for their nationals. The State Department noted its commitment to national security and public safety regarding visa processes but has refrained from commenting on specifics of ongoing deliberations.
Recent information reveals that the Trump administration is finalizing a more expansive travel ban compared to previous iterations. The initial Muslim travel ban implemented in 2017 affected several countries and resulted in significant disruption at airports for those mid-travel.
The proposed ban could affect thousands of Afghans cleared for resettlement in the US due to concerns over Taliban retaliation for their work aiding the US during the 20-year conflict. Data shows a significant population of Pakistanis and Afghans in the US, with over 10,000 Pakistani students currently studying in American higher education institutions, as well as approximately 200,000 Afghans with approved resettlement or pending visa applications stuck in Afghanistan and other countries.
The imminent potential travel ban may impact thousands of individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly those who have aided US efforts during past military campaigns. While hopes remain for exemptions for refugees, the overall uncertainty and the implications of such a ban draw parallels to previous controversial immigration restrictions. This situation is particularly pressing amidst ongoing US efforts to ensure national security and public safety in its immigration processes.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
