Potential U.S. Travel Ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan Under Review

The U.S. is considering new travel bans on Pakistan and Afghanistan, anticipated next week. President Trump aims to enhance the previous Muslim ban, which may affect tens of thousands waiting for resettlement. While Pakistani officials hope for exemption, there are concerns for refugees and visa applicants amidst ongoing immigration policy reviews.

The United States may introduce travel bans for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan shortly, potentially as early as next week. President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to reinstate and possibly enhance the previously enacted Muslim ban. As part of this decision, a report detailing the potential inclusion of several countries will be submitted to the White House on March 12, after a review of visa processes and stricter vetting measures began earlier this year.

Shawn Vandiver, head of the AfghanEvac coalition, informed that the situation is urgent and expects swift action from the Trump administration regarding visitor restrictions. There is hope that refugees may be exempt from the impending ban; however, no definitive conclusion has been reached. Both countries are candidates for full suspension, according to ongoing discussions.

Despite concerns, Pakistani officials remain hopeful that their country will not be included in the ban, especially in light of recent acknowledgments from U.S. officials regarding Pakistan’s assistance in capturing a suspect involved in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. During a recent address, President Trump expressed gratitude toward Pakistan for their cooperation in this matter, highlighting the significance of this arrest for affected families.

In January, Mr. Trump issued an executive order mandating that agencies assess countries with inadequate vetting procedures. Sources suggest a new travel ban is in the final stages, reflecting broader restrictions than the previous iteration established in 2017, which disrupted travel plans for many individuals, leading to extensive legal challenges.

This upcoming ban, if implemented, could jeopardize the resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans who are eligible for U.S. admission on refugee or Special Immigrant Visas. As of 2021, approximately 629,946 residents of Pakistani descent lived in the U.S., with estimates indicating more than one million currently. Also, there are around 200,000 Afghans awaiting resettlement approval or who have pending applications, many of whom have been stranded in Afghanistan or nearby countries, including Pakistan, due to an ongoing freeze on admissions.

In summary, the U.S. administration may soon impose travel restrictions on nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of an expanded travel ban. This initiative follows a review of visa processes and heightened vetting protocols by President Trump. While Pakistani officials express cautious optimism about their potential exclusion, concerns linger for vulnerable populations seeking refuge. The implications of such a ban could be significant, affecting thousands of individuals currently awaiting resettlement.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com