The U.S. may soon impose travel bans on Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a broader review of the visa process by President Trump, affecting potentially tens of thousands. There is hope for some exemptions for refugees, yet substantial concerns remain. Pakistani officials express optimism, evidenced by recent supportive statements from Trump regarding Pakistan’s help in a related security matter.
The United States may impose travel restrictions on nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as early as next week, as President Donald Trump seeks to reconsider and potentially widen the scope of the previous Muslim ban. Shawn Vandiver, head of the AfghanEvac coalition, indicated that a report on this matter is expected at the White House on March 12, following the President’s directive for a review of visa processes and increased visitor vetting.
Vandiver expressed his concerns, stating, “We hope that refugees would be exempt from this ban… but no final decision has been made yet.” He noted that countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, might face full admission suspensions. However, Pakistani officials are optimistic about their exclusion from the list, given Trump’s public commendation of Pakistan’s efforts in apprehending a suspect tied to a deadly attack in Kabul in 2021.
Despite potential restrictions, the Pakistani Embassy has not provided comments on this matter, and the State Department refrained from disclosing details about internal discussions. A spokesperson emphasized the commitment to national security and public safety through the visa process. Multiple sources suggest that the upcoming travel ban may include a broader range of restrictions compared to the initial ban implemented in 2017, affecting many Afghan nationals who supported American efforts during the two-decade conflict.
There are substantial implications for these travel restrictions, potentially affecting tens of thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement as refugees or Special Immigrant Visa applicants. Current estimates indicate that over 200,000 Afghans are in limbo due to these pending applications, with many stranded in various countries, including Pakistan, following a freeze on refugee admissions initiated by Trump.
Furthermore, U.S. demographics reveal a significant Pakistani community, with estimates of over one million residents with Pakistani descent now residing in the United States, including approximately 10,000 Pakistani students currently studying in U.S. institutions.
In conclusion, the potential extension of the U.S. travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan may have far-reaching effects, particularly for thousands of Afghan individuals who have been at risk due to their association with U.S. military efforts. While there is optimism from Pakistani officials regarding their exclusion, the review of visa and vetting processes indicates serious consideration of security risks associated with certain nationalities. The impending decision raises significant concerns about humanitarian impacts and the fate of individuals waiting for resettlement in the U.S.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
