Potential Expansion of U.S. Travel Ban to Include Pakistan and Afghanistan

The U.S. is considering extending its travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan, reminiscent of the previous Muslim ban. The White House will review a report on this ban soon, amid concerns that it may obstruct refugees awaiting resettlement. Officials from Pakistan are cautiously optimistic due to recent U.S. commendations for their assistance in counterterrorism efforts. The proposed ban could significantly affect many individuals held in limbo due to prior immigration freezes.

The United States may soon impose a travel ban that includes Pakistan and Afghanistan, reversing previous policies in an effort to expand President Trump’s earlier Muslim ban. Shawn Vandiver, leader of the AfghanEvac coalition, announced that a report concerning the potential ban would be reviewed by the White House on March 12. This report follows Trump’s order in January, which mandated a reevaluation of visa approval processes and enhanced security measures for visitors to the U.S.

Vandiver expressed concerns that several countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, might be designated as full suspension nations, impacting travelers. He noted the hope that refugees would be exempt from such restrictions, though no final decision has been made yet. Despite the looming potential ban, officials from Pakistan remain optimistic, largely due to recent commendations from U.S. officials regarding Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending a terrorist linked to a deadly bombing in Kabul.

President Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in a congressional address, underscoring its importance in counterterrorism. His executive order from January prompted agencies to identify nations lacking sufficient security vetting, potentially leading to the exclusion of nationals from those countries.

Sources indicated that the proposed travel ban could be implemented imminently, drawing from a comprehensive review of security concerns associated with these nations. The forthcoming ban may follow the pattern established during Trump’s first term when similar restrictions created widespread disruptions and legal challenges across major U.S. airports.

This potential ban could drastically affect thousands of Afghans eligible for U.S. resettlement due to their work with American forces amid the protracted conflict in Afghanistan. With over one million Pakistani residents in the U.S. and 200,000 Afghans pending resettlement or Special Immigrant Visa approval, the decision carries significant societal implications. The situation remains delicate, as many individuals have been left in limbo since a refugee admissions freeze was ordered shortly after Trump’s inauguration.

In conclusion, the potential expansion of the U.S. travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan raises serious concerns about the impact on thousands of vulnerable individuals awaiting resettlement. As the White House prepares to review the ban, it remains uncertain how policymakers will address the needs of refugees amidst national security considerations. The sentiments expressed by officials from Pakistan indicate a hope for diplomatic resolution, though the issue continues to evolve swiftly.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com