Potential U.S. Travel Ban Expansion: Pakistan and Afghanistan Under Consideration
The U.S. may soon expand its travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump aims to enhance vetting processes for visitors. Shawn Vandiver from #AfghanEvac indicated that a relevant report will be reviewed by the White House. Recent comments from Trump acknowledge Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism, which might influence the outcome regarding its inclusion in the travel restrictions. However, potential risks remain for Afghans seeking refuge in the U.S. due to their past affiliations.
The United States may soon impose restrictions barring individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the country, as President Donald Trump aims to expand the existing travel ban associated with his first term. According to Shawn Vandiver, the leader of AfghanEvac, a report concerning this matter will reach the White House by March 12. This follows Trump’s directives in January for a review of visa approval processes and enhanced vetting of potential visitors to the U.S.
Vandiver expressed concerns that this travel ban might include countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, although he hopes that refugees will be exempt. Reports suggest that the Pakistani government remains hopeful that their nation will not be included on the list, especially following Trump’s commendations of Pakistan’s role in apprehending a suspect involved in a deadly Kabul airport bombing.
Trump’s January executive order tasked agencies with identifying nations that may face a full or partial suspension of admission due to insufficiencies in vetting and screening processes. A State Department representative reiterated the commitment to uphold national security while processing visas. Sources indicated that a new travel ban might be imminent.
This would be broader than the previous ban established in 2017, affecting not just the original list of countries but potentially tens of thousands of Afghans and Pakistanis who have qualified for resettlement in the U.S. Due to past employment with U.S. forces, many face risks from the Taliban as they seek safety following the 20-year U.S. engagement in Afghanistan.
As of 2021, there were approximately 629,946 residents of Pakistani descent in the U.S., with recent figures suggesting the total exceeds one million. The situation remains critical, as over 200,000 Afghans, who have applied for resettlement or Special Immigrant Visas, continue to be stranded abroad due to a freeze on admissions initiated by Trump.
In conclusion, the potential extension of the U.S. travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan raises significant concerns for thousands of individuals seeking refuge in the country. The ongoing assessment of countries for vetting deficiencies may jeopardize the safe resettlement of those at risk, particularly Afghan allies. The development of this situation warrants close attention from policymakers and stakeholders.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
