Bhutan has been added to the U.S. travel ban draft list due to a 37% increase in visa violations. The ban categorizes countries based on security risks, placing Bhutan in the red category alongside Afghanistan. Stricter visa processes and heightened scrutiny for Bhutanese citizens are expected, which may impact U.S.-Bhutan relations.
The United States has placed Bhutan on a draft travel ban list, categorizing it alongside Afghanistan. The ban stems from rising concerns over national security and heightened instances of visa violations from Bhutanese nationals, with a reported 37% increase in such violations over the past year. This list, which includes a range of countries facing travel restrictions, was prepared by the Trump administration and is subject to adjustment before final approval.
The proposed travel ban categorizes countries into three tiers.
Red category: Citizens from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen would be barred from entering the U.S.
Orange category: Ten countries, including Pakistan, face limited travel options where business travelers may enter but not those seeking immigrant visas, with stricter requirements.
Yellow category: Includes 22 countries that must resolve security deficiencies within 60 days to avoid being escalated to stricter restrictions.
Bhutan’s designation arises from identified patterns of irregular migration among its citizens, leading to increased scrutiny and longer visa processes. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security underscored that Bhutanese applicants may face more challenges in obtaining visas, and those already in the U.S. could encounter difficulty in renewing their temporary statuses. Meanwhile, Bhutan’s government expressed concern about its designation, asserting their citizens do not constitute a significant threat to U.S. security.
The implications of this travel ban are still unclear, especially regarding individuals with existing visas. It remains ambiguous whether they will be exempt or if their visas will face cancellation. The proposed measures particularly highlight the contrasting approach toward nations such as Russia, where travel is limited rather than banned despite concerns over corruption.
Historically, Trump had previously signed an executive order known as the “Muslim Travel Ban,” targeting primarily Muslim-majority countries. Upon taking office, President Biden repealed this ban, citing it as inconsistent with American values. Trump has since announced intentions to reinstate travel restrictions, outlining his readiness to enact such policies on his first day back in office if re-elected.
The travel restrictions represent an ongoing trend in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting both security concerns and the political climate surrounding international relations.
In summary, Bhutan has been placed on the U.S. travel ban draft list due to rising visa violations attributed to its citizens. This move categorizes the nation with Afghanistan on the red list, reflecting broader immigration and security concerns. The implications for Bhutanese citizens seeking entry into the U.S. could be significant, potentially resulting in stricter visa requirements and increased scrutiny. This situation reflects a continuation of stringent travel policies historically associated with the Trump administration.
Original Source: www.news18.com
