The U.S. has imposed a travel ban on Bhutan due to visa violations by its nationals. The ban significantly impacts Bhutanese citizens’ ability to enter the U.S., especially students and professionals. Bhutan’s inclusion in the Red List has raised concerns about its implications for diplomatic relations with the United States.
The United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, has implemented stricter travel restrictions, categorizing 43 countries into three lists: Red, Orange, and Yellow. The Red List includes nations that face the most severe restrictions, prohibiting entry to their citizens. Notably, this list includes conflict-ridden areas like Afghanistan, North Korea, and Syria but also features Bhutan, a country known for its high happiness rankings.
The inclusion of Bhutan in the Red List appears primarily driven by a significant number of visa violations by Bhutanese nationals. Reports indicate that many Bhutanese individuals are overstaying their visas, which raises national security concerns for the United States. Additionally, there has been a noted increase in illegal entries from Bhutanese citizens into the U.S.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 37% of Bhutanese visitors were reported to have violated visa regulations last year. Consequently, individuals from Bhutan will face rigorous screening processes for visa applications, and many may have their applications denied without explanation.
Bhutanese nationals will not only struggle to obtain visas, but those already residing in the U.S. will encounter increased scrutiny as well. This situation presents significant challenges for Bhutanese students and professionals who seek educational and employment opportunities in the United States. Furthermore, this decision could adversely affect the generally positive diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bhutan, prompting Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally urge reconsideration of the travel ban.
The Red List notably comprises countries like Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, North Korea, Libya, Yemen, and Sudan, which are severely impacted by unrest and violence. While the rationale for banning visitors from these nations may be evident, Bhutan’s inclusion has astonished observers.
In summary, the U.S. government’s inclusion of Bhutan in its travel ban escalates scrutiny on Bhutanese nationals due to high rates of visa violations. This unexpected measure potentially strains U.S.-Bhutan relations and creates barriers for students and professionals. While many nations in the Red List face significant conflict, Bhutan’s presence in this category raises concerns and calls for diplomatic dialogue.
Original Source: www.india.com
