US Considers Travel Ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Security Review
The U.S. may soon reinstate a travel ban that could impact citizens from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Trump reviews security risks. Refugees may face restrictions, but Pakistani officials express optimism following favorable diplomatic remarks from Trump. The decision may affect thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement due to their connection to U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.
The U.S. government is considering reinstating a travel ban that may include citizens from Pakistan and Afghanistan. This potential ban, stemming from President Trump’s recent directives, could be implemented as early as next week. On March 12, the White House is expected to review a report on the inclusion of these nations, following Trump’s order in January to enhance vetting of prospective U.S. visitors.
Shawn Vandiver, lead of the AfghanEvac coalition, reports that various countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, are being evaluated for potential suspensions on entry. Vandiver expressed hope that refugees would be exempt from these restrictions, despite no final decisions being made yet. He highlighted that both countries are under consideration due to their security assessment.
Despite concerns, Pakistani officials are optimistic about avoiding the ban, attributing this to recent positive acknowledgments from Trump regarding Pakistan’s cooperation in apprehending a suspect linked to a 2021 bombing in Kabul. Trump commended the Pakistani government during a congressional address, showcasing a diplomatic rapport that may influence the final decision on the travel ban.
Trump’s previous executive order in January prompted a comprehensive review of countries categorized as high risk for inadequate vetting, which could lead to the suspension of their nationals from entering the U.S. Notably, a forthcoming travel ban may be broader than prior iterations, which initially targeted several Muslim-majority nations.
The ramifications of the ban could significantly impact many Afghans who are awaiting resettlement under Special Immigrant Visas due to their roles in aiding U.S. efforts during the Afghan conflict. The situation is compounded by a substantial population of Pakistani individuals residing in the U.S., estimated at one million, along with many Afghan refugees and students currently affected by visa freezes instituted after January 20.
The potential reinstatement of a travel ban affecting Pakistan and Afghanistan raises significant concerns about the implications for thousands of individuals awaiting resettlement in the U.S. While Pakistani officials remain hopeful for exclusion from the ban, the timing and breadth of the review indicate a complex interplay of national security considerations, diplomatic relations, and humanitarian concerns. The outcome will likely affect the lives of many who have been integral to U.S. operations in these regions.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
