Potential U.S. Travel Ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Security Concerns
The U.S. is reviewing potential travel bans on Pakistan and Afghanistan, following Trump’s orders for enhanced vetting. A report is due on March 12, with concerns over implications for Afghan refugees and a significant Pakistani population in the U.S. The new measures could affect tens of thousands awaiting resettlement amid previous travel ban chaos.
The U.S. is considering including Pakistan and Afghanistan in a new travel ban as President Donald Trump aims to revive the prior Muslim ban. A report regarding this issue is scheduled to be presented to the White House on March 12, following Trump’s order for a review of visa-approval processes and enhanced vetting of visitors. Shawn Vandiver from AfghanEvac expressed concerns that certain countries will see their nationals banned from entering the U.S., with hopes that refugees may be exempt from this potential ban.
Despite fears, Pakistani officials express optimism that their country might be spared from the travel ban, bolstered by recent U.S. governmental praise for Islamabad’s assistance in capturing a suspect involved in a deadly bombing. In a congressional address, Trump credited Pakistan for their support regarding the arrest, labeling it as a significant victory. His executive order from January mandates agencies to identify countries with inadequate vetting measures that could warrant new entry restrictions.
Reports indicate that a decision on the new travel ban could emerge as early as next week, potentially impacting many Afghans previously approved for U.S. resettlement and risking their safety due to affiliations with American forces. Trump’s original travel ban in 2017 caused significant upheaval at airports as it affected various nations including Iran and Syria, leading to legal challenges and eventual amendments, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Recent estimates suggest over one million Pakistani-Americans currently reside in the U.S., with a significant number—approximately 200,000 Afghans—awaiting resettlement or pending Special Immigrant Visa applications due to their precarious situation resulting from the U.S. withdrawal and 90-day refugee admission freeze enforced by Trump. Over 20,000 of these Afghans are reported to be stranded in Pakistan since the admission freeze began.
The U.S. may soon impose new travel restrictions on nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, influenced by security concerns and enhanced vetting protocols. The historical context of Trump’s previous travel bans raises alarms about their effects on Afghan and Pakistani populations, especially those authorized for resettlement due to their exposure to Taliban threats. Diligent monitoring of this evolving situation is crucial, particularly for the Afghan community currently awaiting relocation amidst a climate of uncertainty.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
