President Trump’s prospective travel ban may soon restrict entry from Afghanistan and Pakistan, impacting thousands of Afghans cleaved for U.S. resettlement. This is reminiscent of earlier bans and reflects intensified immigration enforcement. Critics express concerns over rigorous vetting processes being overlooked, leading to potential delays and obstacles for many prepared to relocate to the U.S.

A pending travel ban proposed by President Donald Trump may soon restrict individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the United States, according to reports from three anonymous sources. This decision, anticipated to be formalized next week, stems from ongoing assessments of the security and vetting processes associated with these countries. Additional nations could also be affected, but their identities remain unspecified.

This proposed ban resonates with Trump’s earlier travel restrictions during his first term, which targeted seven predominantly Muslim nations. Although previous President Joe Biden repealed this ban in 2021, labelling it a “stain on our national conscience,” the current situation revives similar concerns as it could potentially impact a significant number of Afghans seeking refuge due to imminent dangers posed by the Taliban, given their affiliations with U.S. forces.

On January 20, Trump mandated stricter security vetting protocols for foreign individuals aspiring for U.S. admission, aiming to uncover possible national security threats. An executive order instructed various cabinet members to present a list by March 12 of countries subject to complete or partial travel restrictions due to insufficient vetting measures. Reports indicate that Afghanistan is likely to appear on this list along with Pakistan.

The primary departments involved, including State, Justice, and Homeland Security, alongside the Director for National Intelligence, have yet to provide comments on this initiative. Notably, there is a concern regarding those Afghans already cleared for resettlement, as they have undergone rigorous assessment processes deemed “more highly vetted than any population” worldwide. Despite efforts by the State Department’s office overseeing their resettlement to secure exemptions for Special Immigrant Visa holders, hopes for such concessions appear slim.

Sources indicate this directive aligns with Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy initiated at the beginning of his second term. In a speech in October 2023, he pledged to impose restrictors on individuals from various locales, including the Gaza Strip and Libya, among others.

Shawn VanDiver, leader of the AfghanEvac coalition, has strongly advised those with valid U.S. visas to travel immediately, given the likelihood of impending restrictions that may heavily influence Afghan visa holders awaiting their relocation. Currently, approximately 200,000 Afghans possess approval for U.S. resettlement or have submitted pending refugee and Special Immigrant Visa applications, yet continue to be hindered in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, including about 20,000 in Pakistan, following earlier immigration freezes instituted on January 20.

The potential new travel ban from President Donald Trump may imminently affect individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, reminiscent of past restrictions during his administration. Despite the high vetting standards for those seeking resettlement, uncertainty looms as proposals are prepared and exemptions appear unlikely. With hundreds of thousands stranded, the situation demands urgent attention as officials brace for significant repercussions on Afghan visa holders and their resettlement efforts.

Original Source: www.dawn.com

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