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

The U.S. may implement a travel ban affecting Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump looks to revive the previous Muslim ban. A report is due on March 12, exploring security concerns and vetting processes, potentially impacting refugees and tens of thousands awaiting resettlement amid ongoing discussions.

The United States may soon implement a new travel ban that could include individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan. This potential move is associated with President Donald Trump’s plan to revive and possibly expand the previous Muslim ban. According to Shawn Vandiver, head of the AfghanEvac coalition, a report on this matter will be presented to the White House on March 12, following Trump’s directive in January to review visa processes and enhance vetting protocols for visitors to the U.S.

During a recent Congressional visit, Vandiver indicated that remaining diplomatic conversations have led to expectations of prompt action from the Trump administration. He emphasized the hope that refugees might be exempt from this travel ban, although no definitive decisions have been confirmed yet. Reports suggest that Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other nations are likely to be designated as countries under full suspension.

Despite the looming threat of a travel ban, Pakistani officials reportedly remain hopeful that Pakistan will not be included on the list. This optimism is reinforced by positive remarks from senior U.S. officials, who commended Islamabad’s role in capturing a suspect linked to a 2021 bombing incident in Kabul.

Trump’s executive order in January tasked government agencies with identifying countries that lack sufficient security vetting measures for visitors, potentially leading to a ban on nationals from those locations. Multiple sources indicate that a new travel ban could be in place by next week, following an assessment of the security and vetting risks related to these countries.

The history of previous travel bans issued during Trump’s administration illustrates significant impacts on affected individuals, with citizens of various countries finding themselves stranded and facing legal challenges. This proposed ban may severely impact tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who have been cleared for resettlement in the U.S. as they are at risk of Taliban reprisal due to their association with American forces during the conflict in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported an estimated 629,946 residents of Pakistani descent in the U.S. as of 2021, with some estimates exceeding one million. Currently, over 10,000 Pakistani students are pursuing higher education in the U.S., while approximately 200,000 Afghans are facing uncertainty regarding their resettlement status, many of whom have been waiting in various countries since a halt on refugee admissions was imposed on January 20.

In summary, the potential for a new U.S. travel ban could significantly affect individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, likely resulting in restrictions based on national security and vetting concerns. The ramifications may primarily impact Afghan refugees and those approved for resettlement, while there remains some ambiguity regarding exemptions for certain groups. The international community will closely monitor developments related to this situation as they unfold soon.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com