Potential Expansion of US Travel Ban to Include Pakistan and Afghanistan

The US may soon impose travel bans on Pakistan and Afghanistan, revisiting the Muslim ban initiated by Trump. The administration is expected to report on this by March 12. Advocacy groups express concern for affected refugees, while Pakistani officials hold cautious optimism due to recent diplomatic gestures. Affected refugees could number in the tens of thousands, given the historical context of previous bans.

The United States may soon implement travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a potential expansion of the controversial Muslim ban initiated by former President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that the Trump administration is poised to receive recommendations regarding this matter on March 12, 2023, with swift action anticipated thereafter.

Shawn Vandiver, head of the AfghanEvac coalition, expressed concern for Afghan evacuees and indicated support for refugee exemptions from proposed bans. He cautioned, however, that no final decision has been reached and highlighted that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are under consideration as full suspension countries.

Pakistani officials maintain a sense of optimism, predicated on favorable comments from Trump acknowledging Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism, particularly regarding the apprehension of a suspect linked to the Kabul airport bombing in August 2021. Trump’s address to Congress included thanks to Pakistan for their cooperation in detaining the suspect, indicating possible diplomatic considerations in the travel ban discussions.

Additionally, the Trump administration’s recent review of visa-approval processes calls for identifying countries necessitating stringent vetting or complete suspension of admissions for their nationals. This move follows the turmoil stemming from the original Muslim travel ban, which barred citizens from several predominantly Muslim nations and faced extensive legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court.

If enacted, the new restrictions may severely impact tens of thousands of Afghans in the US resettlement pipeline, particularly those endangered by Taliban reprisals due to their assistance during the US military involvement in Afghanistan. The US has a notable community of Pakistani descent, estimated at over one million, in addition to a significant number of Afghan nationals with pending resettlement applications trapped in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

In summary, the potential reinstatement and expansion of travel bans affecting Pakistan and Afghanistan raise significant concerns for many individuals seeking refuge. With a history of contentious immigration policies and the need for proper vetting processes, this situation underscores ongoing challenges related to national security and humanitarian efforts. As the situation unfolds, the implications for Afghan and Pakistani nationals aiming for resettlement in the US remain uncertain.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com