Potential Expansion of U.S. Travel Ban to Include Pakistan and Afghanistan
The U.S. might soon add Pakistan and Afghanistan to a travel ban as President Trump seeks to revive and broaden the previous Muslim ban. A report is expected on March 12, indicating potential restrictions affecting many Afghans and Pakistanis, especially refugees. While there are hopes for exemptions, uncertainty surrounding decisions persists, particularly given Trump’s recent praise for Pakistan’s assistance in counterterrorism efforts.
The United States may soon implement travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to expand the previous travel ban set during his first term. A report concerning this issue is expected to reach the White House on March 12. This report follows Trump’s January directive, which called for a review of visa approvals and enhanced vetting processes to filter visitors coming to the U.S.
Shawn Vandiver, the head of AfghanEvac, indicated that there could be a rapid response from the Trump administration regarding the inclusion of specific countries in this travel ban. He mentioned that while hopes exist for refugees to be exempt, no definitive conclusion has been reached. He stated, “We hope that refugees would be exempt from this ban … but no final decision has been made yet.”
Nonetheless, sources indicate that the Pakistani authorities feel optimistic about possibly being excluded from the travel restrictions, especially in light of Trump’s recent accolades toward Pakistan for their cooperation in capturing a suspect related to a tragic bombing in Kabul. Trump remarked, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster.”
Trump’s executive order from January, which focused on nations lacking adequate vetting information, initially set the stage for this expanded travel ban. A State Department representative emphasized the commitment to maintaining national security through rigorous visa processes, while maintaining confidentiality regarding internal discussions.
Reports suggest that the renewed travel ban may target individuals from both Afghanistan and Pakistan imminently, influenced by assessments of security risks associated with these nations. This potential ban could significantly affect many Afghans awaiting resettlement in the United States, especially those who have assisted U.S. efforts during a prolonged military engagement.
As of 2021, there were approximately 629,946 residents of Pakistani descent in the U.S., with newer estimates suggesting this figure might exceed one million. Moreover, there are about 200,000 Afghans approved for resettlement or with pending applications, many of whom are still stranded in various countries due to ongoing restrictions and administrative hold-ups.
In conclusion, the U.S. government may soon reinstate travel restrictions affecting Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a broader policy approach initiated by President Trump. While hopes for exemptions for refugees persist, uncertainties remain surrounding the final decisions. This renewed ban could adversely affect thousands awaiting U.S. resettlement, highlighting ongoing challenges in the refugee vetting process and international relations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
