Possible New U.S. Travel Ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan Raises Concerns
The U.S. is considering a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan, reviving Trump’s previous travel restrictions. A report on this decision is due on March 12. Pakistani officials express optimism about being excluded, while many Afghans await resettlement amid security concerns. The implications for U.S. immigration policies and affected populations remain significant.
The United States may soon implement travel restrictions on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, aiming to extend the previous travel ban initiated by President Donald Trump during his first term. A report on this subject is anticipated at the White House on March 12. Shawn Vandiver, the leader of AfghanEvac, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that several countries, including these two, could soon face full admission suspensions for their nationals.
Despite concerns, Pakistani officials remain hopeful that their nation will not be included in the travel ban list, particularly in light of President Trump’s comments praising Pakistan’s cooperation in apprehending a suspect linked to a significant bombing. “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” Trump remarked during a Congressional address.
In January, Trump directed relevant agencies to identify countries deemed high-risk based on security and vetting challenges for prospective visitors to the United States. The Pakistani embassy has yet to comment on the developments, and the State Department has asserted its commitment to national security but has declined to discuss internal matters publicly.
Reports suggest that apart from the proposed travel restrictions affecting Pakistani and Afghan citizens, this new travel ban could be more expansive than its predecessors. The initial version of the ban, which came into effect on Trump’s first day in office in 2017, prohibited entry from several predominantly Muslim nations and resulted in significant airport disruptions.
This potential ban could particularly impact tens of thousands of Afghans seeking resettlement in the U.S. under refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas due to their affiliation with American operations in Afghanistan. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were approximately 629,946 Pakistani individuals residing in the United States in 2021, with subsequent estimates suggesting over a million, alongside roughly 200,000 Afghans awaiting resettlement or corresponding visa applications due to ongoing bureaucratic delays.
In summary, the U.S. government’s possible implementation of a travel ban affecting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan reflects heightened scrutiny over security and vetting processes. This situation underscores concerns for those awaiting resettlement, particularly the Afghan population at risk due to their service to U.S. interests. As developments unfold, the broader implications of immigration and national security policies continue to evolve, raising questions about the future of many seeking refuge in the U.S.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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