Potential U.S. Travel Ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan: Implications and Concerns
The U.S. may soon impose a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to expand the earlier Muslim ban. Advocacy groups fear it could hinder refugees awaiting resettlement. Various officials, including Trump, have suggested that blocking these nations may soon be formalized, with implications reaching tens of thousands of Afghans and many Pakistani-Americans.
The U.S. may soon implement a travel ban affecting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand the original Muslim ban from his first term. A report for the White House concerning this matter is expected on March 12, following a directive from Trump to review visa-approval processes and enhance vetting for potential visitors. Advocacy groups express concern, with hopes that refugees could be exempt from any new restrictions.
Shawn Vandiver, leader of a coalition focused on Afghan evacuations, indicated that the Trump administration is rapidly moving towards action against multiple countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, as suspension targets. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials remain hopeful for an exemption, crediting Pakistan’s assistance in capturing a suspect linked to the Kabul airport bombing that occurred in August 2021, which claimed many lives.
Trump’s past executive order mandated the identification of countries lacking adequate screening measures, resulting in potential bans on their nationals. The U.S. State Department has not publicly commented on these deliberations, but it reaffirmed its commitment to national security through rigorous visa processes. Reports suggest the travel ban could have more extensive implications compared to earlier iterations, with possible impacts on tens of thousands of Afghans eligible for resettlement due to their previous collaboration with U.S. forces.
Since the first Muslim travel ban enacted in 2017, travelers faced significant disruption, including the invalidation of visas for those already en route. This new potential ban could restrict access for many individuals who are currently awaiting resettlement. Estimates indicate over one million Pakistani-Americans, alongside a considerable number of Afghans in limbo, notably those with Special Immigrant Visa applications, have been affected since the freezing of admissions ordered by Trump.
In summary, the potential U.S. travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan raises significant concerns regarding the impact on thousands of individuals awaiting resettlement. While officials express hopes for exemptions for refugees, the expansion of restrictions echoes the turmoil caused by the initial travel ban implemented in 2017. The ongoing discussions highlight the delicate balance between national security and humanitarian considerations for those who aided U.S. efforts in both countries.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
