The Trump administration is moving towards a new travel ban potentially affecting Afghan and Pakistani citizens, among other Muslim-majority nations. Earlier travel bans included various countries; the new ban may expand upon this list. The order aims to tighten security vetting and could impact thousands of refugees looking to resettle in the U.S.
The Trump administration appears poised to implement an expanded travel ban targeting Muslim-majority nations such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to a Reuters report which cited three sources, additional countries may also be affected, but specifics remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, the New York Times has indicated that the proposed ban may encompass new nations beyond those on Trump’s original travel list.
In his previous term, the travel ban included countries like Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, many of which are likely to be retained under the new directive. This policy has undergone multiple revisions and was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
If the ongoing review concludes successfully, the ban is expected to come into effect soon, potentially within a week, according to Reuters. This restriction forms part of a broader immigration enforcement approach initiated at the beginning of Trump’s second term.
During an October 2023 speech, President Trump highlighted his intention to impose limits on individuals from areas that pose security risks, including the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. An executive order issued on January 20 mandated enhanced security vetting for those seeking entry into the United States to identify potential national security threats.
The order instructed cabinet members to prepare a list of countries by March 21 from which travel could be either partly or wholly restricted due to inadequate vetting processes. Reports from both Reuters and the New York Times suggest that Afghanistan is likely to be included in the updated list of nations.
Notably, tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for resettlement as refugees or under Special Immigrant Visas may find themselves impacted by this potential ban. The State Department, which manages their resettlement, is advocating for an exemption for Special Immigrant Visa holders, although sources indicate that approval for this exemption is uncertain. Furthermore, Pakistan is also being considered for inclusion in the list of restricted countries.
In summary, the Trump administration is preparing to introduce a new travel ban that could affect citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan, alongside other Muslim-majority nations. This initiative signifies a continuation of previous immigration crackdowns and signals potential restrictions for thousands of refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders. As the review progresses, the specifics of affected countries and any exemptions for visa holders remain to be clarified.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
