Potential Expansion of U.S. Travel Ban Including Pakistan and Afghanistan
The U.S. may soon impose a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Trump seeks to expand his previous Muslim ban. A report regarding proposed nations for suspension is expected by March 12, amid concerns for thousands of refugees. If implemented, the ban could have extensive implications for individuals approved for U.S. resettlement.
The United States may soon implement a new travel ban potentially affecting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Donald Trump aims to revive and expand the previous Muslim ban from his first term. A report on this matter is expected to reach the White House on March 12, following Mr. Trump’s directive in January for a review of visa-approval processes and enhanced vetting of prospective visitors to the United States.
Shawn Vandiver, the leader of the AfghanEvac coalition, noted that action from the Trump administration is anticipated swiftly, specifically regarding several countries whose nationals may face entry prohibitions. Although there are hopes for exemptions for refugees, no definitive decisions have been confirmed yet concerning the statuses of Afghanistan and Pakistan as suspension countries.
Amidst these developments, Pakistani officials maintain a hopeful outlook regarding their country’s inclusion in the potential list. They have observed favorable comments from Mr. Trump and other senior officials about Islamabad’s assistance in the capture of individuals involved in terrorist activities, namely Mohammad Sharifullah, linked to a devastating suicide bombing.
Mr. Trump’s executive order tasked agencies with identifying nations eligible for partial or complete suspension based on insufficient vetting and screening information. However, the details surrounding the progression of a new travel ban remain speculative, with a spokesperson from the State Department reaffirming their commitment to upholding national security standards without delving into internal discussions.
Reports indicate that the prospective travel ban, which may be set to take effect imminently, could severely impact thousands of Afghans seeking resettlement in the United States, particularly individuals facing Taliban retaliation for their service alongside U.S. forces. The potential ban’s implications are far-reaching, with over 200,000 Afghans either approved for resettlement or currently awaiting Special Immigrant Visa applications, many trapped in multiple countries since a freeze on refugee admissions was initiated on January 20.
In summary, the emerging U.S. travel ban may significantly impact individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Trump revisits past policies concerning immigration and national security. The swift action anticipated by the administration could put countless refugees at risk, further complicating the resettlement process for those seeking asylum. The outcome remains uncertain, underscoring the complexity of U.S. immigration policy and its consequences for affected nations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
