The US may impose a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan soon, as President Trump plans to expand his earlier Muslim ban. Reports are expected on March 12, following his directive to review visa processes. This could significantly impact Afghan and Pakistani nationals seeking resettlement due to security concerns.
The US government may soon issue a travel ban affecting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Trump appears poised to expand his earlier Muslim ban. A report on this potential ban is expected to reach the White House on March 12, following Trump’s directive in January for a comprehensive review of visa processes and enhanced security vetting for prospective visitors.
Shawn Vandiver, head of the Afghan evacuation coalition AfghanEvac, indicated that the administration would act swiftly on the list of countries affected. While he hopes refugees will be exempt, he noted that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are among those likely facing full suspensions on admissions.
Despite concerns, Pakistani officials are hopeful their country will remain unaffected by the ban. They cite Trump’s positive comments regarding Pakistan’s role in apprehending a suspect involved in a tragic terrorist attack at Kabul airport that resulted in numerous casualties.
In January, Trump instructed governmental agencies to identify countries with inadequate vetting that may require travel suspensions. Responses from Pakistani and State Department representatives regarding this impending ban were not immediately available. However, a State Department official emphasized their commitment to national security and safety in the visa process.
Reports suggest the new ban could be implemented quickly, potentially impacting thousands of documents from Afghans recognized for resettlement as refugees or Special Immigrant Visa recipients due to threats from the Taliban. The ban, reminiscent of the initial 2017 travel ban grounded in national security concerns, may prevent many of those approved for US resettlement from entering the country.
As of 2021, there were an estimated 629,946 individuals of Pakistani descent living in the US, and figures may currently exceed one million. Additionally, over 10,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in US higher education institutions, with around 200,000 Afghans awaiting their resettlement approvals stuck in Afghanistan and other countries including Pakistan due to a freeze on immigration processes initiated by the Trump administration.
The potential travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan signals a broader shift in US immigration policy under President Trump. As the administration moves to enhance security vetting, both countries’ nationals, particularly refugees and those with pending visa applications, face uncertainty about their ability to enter the United States. The situation remains fluid, with implications for thousands awaiting resettlement.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
