The US plans to introduce travel bans for Pakistanis and Afghans due to security concerns regarding terrorism. President Trump’s administration is reviewing potential restrictions, which could be implemented soon. With a significant number of Afghans awaiting resettlement, the situation remains urgent for affected individuals and the geopolitical landscape.
The US government is intensifying its travel restrictions on Pakistan, highlighting safety concerns due to terrorism activities near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control. This classification places Pakistan on the list of dangerous countries, compelling American citizens to avoid travel to the region. Recent reports suggest that the US may implement entry bans for nationals of Pakistan, alongside those from Afghanistan, in a potential new policy under review.
According to sources cited by Reuters, President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a travel ban affecting individuals from both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Speculations indicate that these new restrictions could take effect within the next ten days. Reliable sources also mentioned that Afghanistan will be included in the travel ban list, alongside Pakistan, as part of a broader security strategy.
The rationale behind these stringent measures stems from national security assessments concerning the screening and evaluation processes of visa applicants from these nations. Over 200,000 Afghans are currently awaiting resettlement in the US post-Taliban takeover in August 2021. Among these, 20,000 Afghans holding Special Immigrant Visas are stranded in Pakistan, facing imminent deportation if the bans proceed as planned.
President Trump’s earlier executive order mandated new scrutiny protocols for foreigners entering the US to mitigate potential security threats. The anticipated travel bans are part of ongoing evaluations of safety and screening, affecting individuals from regions deemed high-risk, particularly in the context of the current geopolitical landscape.
The US administration’s planned entry bans for Pakistanis and Afghans signify heightened security measures in response to terrorism-related threats. With ongoing resettlement issues for Afghan nationals and the implications of travel restrictions, the situation remains critical for Pakistan. The national security assessments guiding these decisions reflect a broader strategy to maintain safety while addressing refugee resettlement challenges.
Original Source: www.india.com
