Potential U.S. Travel Ban Considered for Pakistan and Afghanistan

The U.S. government may implement a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan soon, reviving previous restrictions under President Trump’s administration. A report on this matter is expected by March 12, with possible exemptions for refugees. Concerns arise for tens of thousands awaiting resettlement amidst the bureaucratic process as administration officials review vetting protocols.

The United States may soon impose a travel ban on nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Donald Trump considers expanding his original travel restrictions from his first term. According to Shawn Vandiver, leader of the coalition AfghanEvac, a report on this potential ban is expected at the White House by March 12. This follows Trump’s directive in January to enhance vetting procedures for visitors to the U.S. and revamp visa approvals.

Vandiver stated, “We expect [the Trump administration] to take action very quickly” regarding the travel ban, which could list several countries. While there is hope that refugees may be exempt from this ban, he remarked that definitive decisions are still pending. Pakistan’s officials maintain optimism regarding their country’s exclusion from the list, particularly after President Trump acknowledged Islamabad’s involvement in capturing a suspect linked to a deadly Kabul airport suicide bomb in August 2021.

Trump praised Pakistan’s role during a congressional address, thanking their government for aiding in the arrest of the suspect. His January executive order tasked agencies with identifying nations whose insufficient vetting practices could justify a travel ban on their nationals. The travel restriction could impact citizens from both Afghanistan and Pakistan, with discussions by the Trump administration reportedly concluding soon, reflecting on the results of a government security assessment.

Past experiences show that similar travel bans have led to significant turbulence for travelers, such as in 2017 when Trump’s initial travel ban caused chaos in airports, impacting various nationalities. Presently, tens of thousands of Afghans, including those at risk for working with U.S. entities, are awaiting resettlement amidst the ongoing bureaucratic challenges. The U.S. has more than 200,000 Afghans approved for resettlement, many of whom are stranded abroad since the halt on refugee admissions was enacted.

In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated around 629,946 residents of Pakistani descent, with recent figures suggesting this population could exceed one million. Additionally, there are over 10,000 Pakistani students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, indicating a significant bilateral representation that may be impacted by prospective travel restrictions.

In summary, the United States is contemplating the addition of Pakistan and Afghanistan to a new travel ban, potentially impacting many individuals seeking refuge in the country. The considerations arise following a directive from President Trump, aiming to bolster national security through enhanced vetting processes. Numerous Afghans and Pakistanis are concerned over their future amid these developments, particularly as they relate to settled statuses and approvals for U.S. entry.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com