Impending US Travel Ban May Affect Pakistan and Afghanistan Nationals

The US is considering a new travel ban potentially targeting travelers from Pakistan and Afghanistan as President Trump seeks to expand the previous Muslim ban. A report on the matter is due on March 12. The implications are significant, particularly for Afghan resettlement programs, as officials from Pakistan remain hopeful for an exemption.

The United States is contemplating a new travel ban that may likely affect individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Donald Trump aims to expand the previous Muslim ban from his initial term. On March 12, a report regarding this issue is expected to be submitted to the White House following Mr. Trump’s directive in January to enhance visa-approval processes along with additional vetting measures for potential visitors. Shawn Vandiver, the head of AfghanEvac, expressed concern over the potential inclusion of several countries in the ban, indicating the urgency for support for Afghan individuals awaiting travel to the US.

Despite the looming ban, Pakistani officials remain hopeful that Pakistan will not be part of the restrictions due to supportive remarks made by Mr. Trump and senior US officials regarding Pakistan’s contributions to the arrest of a suspect linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. In his address to Congress, Mr. Trump commended Pakistan’s assistance and emphasized the significance of this event for the families affected by the tragedy. His January executive order mandated scrutiny of countries lacking adequate vetting processes that could lead to the suspension of admissions for their nationals.

Sources stated that a potential new travel ban could come into effect as early as next week, following the examination of security and vetting risks associated with several countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. Reports suggest that the forthcoming ban may be broader in scope compared to the previous iteration implemented in 2017, which had significant implications for travelers, leading to legal challenges and alterations.

If enacted, this travel ban may adversely affect a large number of Afghans who are already approved for resettlement in the US as refugees or through Special Immigrant Visas due to their participation with American forces during the two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan. Prior estimates from the US Census Bureau indicated that approximately 629,946 individuals of Pakistani heritage resided in the US in 2021, with more recent figures likely surpassing a million, alongside about 200,000 Afghans awaiting resettlement or action on their Special Immigrant Visa applications.

In summary, the United States is contemplating a new travel ban that may target individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan under the directive of President Trump. The proposed ban, rooted in enhanced vetting processes, could have extensive repercussions on Afghan resettlement efforts and influence relations with Pakistan. Officials from Pakistan express optimism, citing recent supportive comments from the Trump administration regarding their assistance in security matters. The situation continues to unfold as various stakeholders advocate for affected populations amid ongoing deliberations within the White House.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com