Trump is looking to revive a travel ban potentially affecting countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan, following an executive order instructing cabinet members to draft a list of countries with inadequate vetting. This decision may impact thousands of Afghans awaiting US resettlement. The legal history of previous bans illustrates the challenges likely to be faced in the implementation of such policies.
Former President Donald Trump is considering reviving a travel ban targeting countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. Reports indicate that this ban could be implemented within the upcoming week, based on an executive order he signed directing his cabinet to identify countries with inadequate vetting capabilities. While Trump initially promised to restore the travel ban on his first day in office, he did not follow through at that time.
Trump’s previous travel ban impacted individuals from several majority-Muslim nations, a policy upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, affecting about seven percent of the global population. Potential countries on this new ban list include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, based on reports from Reuters and The New York Times.
The travel ban may significantly affect Afghans seeking resettlement after assisting US military efforts, with about 200,000 still awaiting visa approvals. These individuals face serious threats from the Taliban due to their cooperation with US forces. While the State Department might seek exemptions for these individuals, it is uncertain how many will be granted.
A coalition, known as AfghanEvac, issued a crucial statement urging Afghans with valid US visas to arrange travel immediately as a ban could be forthcoming. This statement emphasizes the urgency due to uncertain governmental announcements revealing possible travel restrictions for Afghans.
Trump’s previous attempts to enforce travel bans began in January 2017 but faced immediate legal challenges, with early versions blocked in court. After revising the ban several times, a third version affecting six nations was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 and lasted until 2021 when President Joe Biden rescinded it.
The potential revival of Trump’s travel ban could significantly impact Afghans who assisted US military efforts, complicating their resettlement process. While a list of countries is being prepared, the historical context of past travel bans highlights the legal challenges and ramifications involved. Continued attention to how this policy unfolds is critical.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
