Impending US Travel Ban: Pakistan and Afghanistan Under Review

The US may extend its travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a review of visa processes initiated by President Trump. A report on this issue is expected on March 12, and concerns exist regarding the impact on Afghan refugees. While Pakistani officials are hopeful for their exclusion from the ban, many Afghans are at risk and stranded abroad.

The United States government may soon impose travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a possible expansion of the previous Muslim ban initiated by President Donald Trump. This development emerges following Trump’s directives earlier this year, where he ordered a review of visa approval processes and an enhancement of visitor vetting. Shawn Vandiver, head of AfghanEvac, indicated that a White House report concerning this matter is anticipated on March 12, raising concerns about the impact on Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement.

Following meetings with members of Congress, Vandiver expressed some hope that refugees could potentially be exempted from these new restrictions. However, it remains unconfirmed, as sources indicate that Afghanistan and Pakistan are likely to be included among countries facing full suspension. Pakistani officials, however, maintain optimism regarding their exclusion from this travel ban, particularly in light of recent positive comments by Trump regarding Pakistan’s assistance in capturing a suspect related to a deadly 2021 bombing in Kabul.

Trump’s recent statements suggest greater scrutiny on countries described as having deficient vetting processes. A forthcoming executive order aims to identify nations from which the admission of nationals may be partially or fully suspended. Reports indicate that an expanded travel ban similar to the original Muslim ban from 2017 could be finalized soon, impacting many individuals approved for resettlement amid the ongoing security evaluation.

The proposed travel ban could significantly affect the tens of thousands of Afghans awaiting US resettlement, especially those with Special Immigrant Visas due to perceived threats from the Taliban. It has been reported that there are approximately 200,000 Afghans with pending visa applications, many of whom are currently in vulnerable situations in Afghanistan and several other nations, including a substantial number in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Pakistani diaspora in the US is notably significant, with estimates suggesting a population of over one million individuals, including students pursuing higher education.

In summary, the potential imposition of a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan marks a significant shift in US immigration policy under President Trump. While officials from Pakistan express hope for exclusion from the list of affected countries, many Afghans, particularly those vulnerable to Taliban retaliation, face uncertainty regarding their resettlement in the United States. Continued scrutiny and legislative actions within the US government could further complicate the travel situation for individuals from these nations.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com