The US has placed Bhutan on a travel ban list due to a significant rate of visa violations among its citizens. This decision raises concerns about national security and could strain diplomatic relations between Bhutan and the US, affecting students and professionals traveling for educational and work opportunities. Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a reconsideration of the US’s stance.

Since the inception of his second term, former President Donald Trump has enforced stricter immigration policies, culminating in a travel ban affecting 43 countries, categorized into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists. The Red List includes nations facing the harshest restrictions, barring entry to individuals from countries marked by instability or poor diplomatic relations with the United States, such as Afghanistan, North Korea, and Syria.

Bhutan’s unexpected inclusion in the Red List stems primarily from a concerning trend of visa violations among its citizens. A significant percentage of Bhutanese nationals have overstayed their visas, which poses national security issues for the US. Reports indicate that 37% of Bhutanese visitors breached immigration regulations last year, prompting the heightened scrutiny.

Bhutanese citizens will experience greater difficulties in securing US visas, facing rigorous screening processes, with many applications potentially rejected without clear explanations. Additionally, those already residing in the US will also be subject to extensive evaluations, presenting significant obstacles, especially for Bhutanese students and professionals seeking educational and career opportunities.

This decision may strain the historically positive diplomatic relationship between the US and Bhutan. In light of these developments, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally appealed to the United States to reconsider its stance regarding these travel restrictions.

Within the Red List, many countries, including Somalia, Libya, and Yemen, suffer from considerable turmoil and violence. While travel restrictions in these contexts are understandable, the rationale for Bhutan’s inclusion remains perplexing to many observers.

In summary, the United States’ recent travel ban on Bhutanese citizens, categorized under the Red List, is primarily driven by concerns over visa violations and national security. This unexpected move could adversely affect the relationship between the US and Bhutan, and challenge many Bhutanese individuals, particularly students and professionals, in accessing educational and occupational opportunities in the United States. As Bhutan’s government seeks a reconsideration of this decision, the implications of these restrictions highlight complexities in immigration policy and international relations.

Original Source: www.india.com

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