Donald Trump’s Proposed Travel Ban: Implications for Afghan and Pakistani Immigrants
President Donald Trump is expected to announce a reinstated travel ban affecting immigrants from select Muslim-majority countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. This could endanger thousands of Afghans approved for resettlement due to fears of Taliban retribution. The US State Department seeks exemptions for special immigrant visa holders, but prospects appear dim. Approximately 200,000 Afghans are waiting for relocation amidst policy uncertainties.
The likelihood of United States President Donald Trump reinstating his travel ban against immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, has raised concerns among foreign nationals. According to a Reuters report, sources indicate that Trump may announce the ban soon, based on a recent security review of specific nations classified as posing risks to the nation.
This newly proposed travel ban would primarily impact thousands of Afghans who have previously received approval to relocate to the US as refugees or holders of special immigrant visas. These individuals face possible retaliation from the Taliban for their support of US forces during the past two decades.
In a previous executive order issued on January 20, Trump mandated enhanced security screenings for all foreigners attempting to enter the country, highlighting perceived national security risks. This order also required the identification of countries from which entry may be restricted due to deficient screening practices.
The prospective travel ban poses severe implications for Afghan visa holders who are the most vigorously scrutinized group in the world despite having their resettlements in the US endorsed. The US State Department is reportedly seeking exemptions for these special immigrant visa holders, although predictions suggest that such requests may not be fulfilled.
The extension of the travel ban may not be limited to Afghanistan and Pakistan, as other unnamed Muslim countries could also be included. According to unveiled reports, it is expected that Afghanistan will face an absolute travel ban, with implications for Pakistan being imminent as well.
Trump’s approach to immigration is gaining momentum as he embarks on a crackdown that began with his second term. In an October 2023 speech, he articulated plans to prohibit immigrants from regions considered security threats, which includes several North African and Middle Eastern nations.
Shawn VanDiver, a leader within AfghanEvac, has advised Afghan visa holders to expedite their travel before the expected travel ban is enacted. He emphasized the urgency of relocating as numerous Afghan nationals continue to await resettlement amid reports of a potential ban.
The situation remains critical, with approximately 200,000 Afghans approved for resettlement or possessing pending US refugee applications remaining in precarious situations across Afghanistan and other locations, including Pakistan. Notably, an earlier directive initiated by Trump has already created obstacles for their arrival in the US.
This renewed travel ban bears a striking resemblance to the previous restrictions imposed during Trump’s first term, which limited the entry of travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Initially facing several legal challenges, that ban was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 before being rescinded by former President Biden in 2021, who criticized the ban as a regrettable decision in the realm of American immigration policy.
In conclusion, the looming reimposition of a travel ban by President Donald Trump raises significant concerns for Afghan and Pakistani immigrants, particularly those patiently awaiting resettlement in the United States. With substantial implications for thousands of at-risk individuals, this proposed ban reflects continued efforts to heighten national security scrutiny on immigrants from designated countries. The fate of many Afghan allies appears precarious amidst the uncertain political landscape surrounding US immigration policy.
Original Source: www.india.com
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