President Trump’s draft travel ban includes Bhutan, an unexpected choice given the country’s emphasis on happiness and sustainability. While most countries on the list are known for strained relations with the U.S., Bhutan’s controversial overstay rates and past policies raise questions. Former officials decry the unfair categorization of Bhutan alongside nations with terrorism histories, illustrating the complexities within immigration discussions.
President Trump’s draft travel ban list includes Bhutan, a surprising addition given the country’s focus on happiness and well-being over economic growth. The travel ban categorizes countries into “red,” “orange,” and “yellow,” with “red” countries facing an automatic ban on entry for citizens. While most countries on the list have strained diplomatic relations with the U.S., Bhutan’s inclusion raises questions due to its unique cultural and political identity.
Bhutan is known for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, environmentally sustainable practices, and controlled tourism aimed at preserving its culture. With a population of less than 800,000, Bhutan has historically insulated itself from external influences, introducing television and internet only in 1999, and cell phones in 2003. Despite these practices, Bhutan has a controversial history with its One Nation, One People” policy, which has led to the displacement of ethnic minorities.
The inclusion of Bhutan in the “red list” may stem from national security concerns, particularly regarding visa overstays. Recent reports indicate a high overstay rate for Bhutanese nationals on B1/B2 visas—12.71%, which translates to only 23 individuals. This starkly contrasts with larger countries with more significant overstay numbers.
While 24,000 Bhutanese residents live in the U.S., the population has remained stable in recent years, with modest immigration numbers. Former Bhutanese politician Karma Loday reacted to the travel ban proposal, emphasizing that the nation is not associated with terrorism and it is unfair to compare Bhutan to countries with a history of such threats. This isn’t Bhutan’s first encounter with Trump’s immigration policies, as it was previously subjected to a bond requirement for entry.
The surprising inclusion of Bhutan in President Trump’s travel ban draft raises concern over perceived migration patterns and national security. While Bhutan is celebrated for its unique approach to prioritizing happiness and sustainability, historical policies have tainted its international image. The decision appears to be based on the statistical misinterpretation of overstay rates, highlighting how a small population can distort perceptions of immigration issues. Overall, this situation underscores the challenges of integrating humanitarian values with national security protocols.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
