U.S. Examines Visa Programs Amid Reports of Possible Travel Ban Including Afghanistan
The U.S. State Department is reviewing all visa programs amid reports of a potential travel ban that could include Afghanistan. This review follows an executive order from President Trump aimed at identifying countries with insufficient vetting processes. Advocacy groups warn that such a ban would significantly affect Afghan nationals who collaborated with the U.S., potentially endangering their safety and future.
The United States State Department is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its visa programs amid reports of a potential new travel ban. A source from within the U.S. government indicated that Afghanistan might be included in the list of countries affected by this ban, which could be announced as early as next week, though final decisions have yet to be made.
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20 required cabinet members, including the Secretary of State, to identify countries with inadequate vetting processes. This review is expected to be completed within 60 days. The spokesperson emphasized that further details about the review would not be disclosed, citing the confidentiality of internal discussions.
A White House official reaffirmed that no resolutions regarding potential travel bans have been reached. During his first term, President Trump had prohibited entry from seven predominantly Muslim nations, a policy that faced legal challenges before being revoked by President Joe Biden in 2021.
Should Afghanistan be included in the new travel ban, it is anticipated to affect tens of thousands of Afghans who collaborated with the U.S. during its military operations. Many have already faced obstacles due to previous executive orders that restricted the U.S. refugee admissions program and foreign aid for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders.
AfghanEvac, a coalition working to assist Afghan allies, has urged individuals holding valid U.S. visas to travel promptly due to mounting concerns of an imminent travel ban. They mentioned that multiple U.S. sources suggest that new travel restrictions affecting Afghan nationals could be enforced soon, potentially disrupting relocation processes for Afghan visa holders waiting to enter the United States.
The International Refugee Admissions Project (IRAP) issued a statement condemning the potential travel ban. Many individuals in their network have endured prolonged waits for necessary visa processing while living in perilous circumstances. They argued that any new travel ban would jeopardize lives by preventing access to safety. Furthermore, the IRAP highlighted the plight of Afghan refugees targeted by the Taliban, including Special Immigrant Visa recipients, indicating that they could be adversely affected by this policy change.
In summary, the U.S. State Department is reviewing visa programs in the context of a potential new travel ban that may include Afghanistan. This action could drastically impact those who have aided U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, placing many at risk. Advocacy groups are raising concerns about the potential consequences for Afghan nationals holding visas as discussions proceed within the administration.
Original Source: krdo.com
Post Comment