A draft list from the U.S. State Department outlines potential travel restrictions for 43 countries under President Trump’s administration, categorized by red (total bans), orange (restricted visas), and yellow (60-day notice). Notably, Bhutan appears on the red list, raising concerns linked to a recent immigration scam. Other countries on this list include North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan, with implications for international relations and affected communities.
A draft list from the U.S. State Department reportedly identifies 43 countries that may face travel restrictions under President Donald Trump’s administration. This list is categorized into three color codes: red for countries with total bans, orange for those with sharply restricted visas, and yellow for nations given 60 days to address U.S. concerns.
The red list includes some surprising nations, notably Bhutan, which is peaceful and predominantly Buddhist. The Bhutanese media suggest that the inclusion is linked to a 2023 immigration scam involving Nepalese citizens posing as Bhutanese refugees. Other countries on the red list include North Korea, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan, with Iraq notably absent. Additionally, Cuba and Venezuela are included as well.
Pakistan has been placed on the orange list, which could be concerning for the Pakistani diaspora in the U.S. Russia, along with its ally Belarus, is also noted in this category, while Ukraine does not appear on the list despite strained relations with Washington. Additionally, Asian countries like Laos and Myanmar, as well as Turkmenistan from Central Asia, share similar restrictions.
The yellow list raises questions with its inclusion of several Caribbean nations, including St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica, which is in the spotlight due to an investigation involving a missing Indian student. Cambodia and the island nation of Vanuatu are included as well. Furthermore, 16 African nations—such as Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Eritrea, and Liberia—are listed under yellow as well.
In summary, the draft list issued by the U.S. State Department indicates a significant shift in immigration policy, affecting 43 nations across various continents, with implications for international relations and the lives of countless individuals.
The U.S. State Department draft list of 43 countries under potential travel restrictions highlights significant geopolitical implications. The classifications—red, orange, and yellow—reflect varying degrees of access, with unexpected inclusions such as Bhutan, and notable omissions like Iraq. This shifting landscape underscores the evolving U.S. immigration policy and its impact on communities globally.
Original Source: www.rediff.com
