Former President Trump plans to reinstate a travel ban potentially including Afghanistan and Pakistan. His earlier travel bans were upheld by the Supreme Court, affecting several Muslim-majority nations. This could jeopardize the resettlement of Afghans who assisted U.S. troops. Historical travel bans faced legal challenges before being enforced. The implications for affected individuals remain significant.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to reinstate a travel ban encompassing countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, potentially as early as next week. This initiative follows an executive order issued on January 20, mandating cabinet officials to compile a list of nations subject to full or partial travel restrictions due to inadequate vetting and screening processes associated with their citizens. Trump previously promised to reinstate the travel ban upon taking office, a pledge he did not fulfill during his initial term.
Historically, Trump’s travel restrictions affected individuals from several predominantly Muslim countries, leading to Supreme Court approval of the policy in 2018. It has been noted that his initial travel bans impacted approximately seven percent of the global population. Along with Afghanistan and Pakistan, the prospective list may mirror Trump’s earlier restrictions which included Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
The potential travel ban on Afghanistan poses significant implications for the thousands of Afghans who have applied for or received Special Immigrant Visas, having supported U.S. military operations during the 20-year engagement in the region. Currently, around 200,000 Afghans are either awaiting resettlement or approval for their visa applications. Given the threats many face from the Taliban for their previous assistance to American forces, resettlement is critical.
The State Department may advocate for exemptions for Afghans seeking resettlement; however, these exemptions may not be readily granted, as indicated by a source. A coalition of organizations, known as AfghanEvac, highlighted the urgency for Afghans to secure travel arrangements if they possess valid U.S. visas, noting in a recent statement that developments suggesting a travel ban could be forthcoming should lead to prompt action.
Trump’s earlier attempts at implementing a travel ban began in January 2017, initially prohibiting entry from seven Muslim-majority countries, including green card holders. The ban faced immediate legal challenges and eventually led to several revised versions, with the third iteration, affecting six Muslim-majority nations plus North Korea, being validated by the Supreme Court in 2018. The travel restrictions remained in effect until President Joe Biden rescinded them in 2021.
In conclusion, former President Trump is poised to potentially revive a travel ban impacting countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan. This decision may significantly influence many Afghans eligible for resettlement who are currently facing threats due to their association with U.S. military operations. The historical context of Trump’s previous travel bans highlights the legal and humanitarian complexities surrounding such policies, leaving an uncertain future for those affected.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
