A new travel ban by former President Donald Trump may soon block entry for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, similar to previous restrictions. This could jeopardize the resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans who collaborated with US forces and are facing Taliban threats. Agencies are evaluating countries for potential inclusion in this policy, which reflects Trump’s broader immigration agenda.

Recent reports indicate that a new travel ban proposed by former President Donald Trump may prevent individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States, possibly to be enacted as soon as next week. Sources, who have chosen to remain anonymous, suggest that other nations could also be included in the ban, reminiscent of Trump’s earlier restrictions during his first term, which affected travelers from several majority-Muslim countries and were upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

Former President Joe Biden had previously repealed the original travel ban in 2021, condemning it as “a stain on our national conscience.” If the new ban is enforced, it could significantly affect tens of thousands of Afghans already approved for resettlement via refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas, especially since many urgently need protection from possible Taliban reprisals due to their service alongside US forces during the Afghanistan conflict.

On January 20, Trump invoked an executive order, mandating stricter screening procedures for foreign nationals aiming to enter the US, citing national security issues. This order tasked relevant government agencies with identifying countries with inadequate vetting processes, potentially leading to suspension of travel from those locations. Reports indicate that Afghanistan is highly likely to be subject to a complete travel ban, with Pakistan under consideration as well.

Key US agencies involved in this initiative, including the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security, have yet to issue any comments regarding the developing situation. One insider remarked that Afghans seeking resettlement have already undergone rigorous screening processes, rendering them “more highly vetted than any population” globally. Moreover, there are ongoing discussions within the State Department advocating for exemptions for holders of Special Immigrant Visas, although such pleas are not anticipated to be fulfilled.

The Taliban continues to face resistance from the Islamic State’s branch in the region, while Pakistan struggles with its own issues related to violent Islamist extremism. Trump has positioned this proposed travel ban as an integral component of a broader immigration policy overhaul. He publicly emphasized his plans during a speech in October 2023 to limit travel from several areas perceived to pose security threats, including Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.

Shawn VanDiver, the leader of AfghanEvac—a coalition dedicated to facilitating Afghan resettlement—has urged visa holders to expedite their departure to the US if possible. “While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the US government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week,” he stated. This ban may potentially impact approximately 200,000 Afghans who have been approved for resettlement or are awaiting outcomes on their applications for refugee or Special Immigrant Visas, many of whom have been displaced in Afghanistan and over 90 other countries, including around 20,000 in Pakistan since Trump imposed a freeze on refugee admissions earlier this year.

The proposed travel ban by former President Donald Trump is poised to significantly restrict entry for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, echoing previous controversial immigration policies. As this initiative unfolds, tens of thousands of Afghans approved for resettlement are at risk of being adversely affected, particularly given the precarious political situation in their home country. The developments highlight ongoing debates regarding immigration security and the treatment of individuals who aided US efforts abroad.

Original Source: gulfnews.com

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