Bhutan’s Surprising Inclusion on Trump’s ‘Red List’ for Travel Ban
President Trump’s draft travel ban includes Bhutan, categorizing it as a ‘red’ country alongside nations with strained diplomatic ties. Bhutan, known for prioritizing happiness and sustainability, faces scrutiny for reported overstay rates. Despite its peaceful identity, responses from Bhutanese officials highlight concerns about being grouped with nations associated with terrorism and security threats.
President Trump’s revised travel ban draft has sparked curiosity, particularly regarding Bhutan’s unexpected inclusion on the ‘red list’. This draft categorizes countries into “red,” “orange,” and “yellow” based on their diplomatic ties and security situations. Bhutan, typically noted for prioritizing the wellbeing of its citizens through policies such as Gross National Happiness, stands out due to this classification, alongside nations like Afghanistan and Iran.
Bhutan, a small nation in the Himalayas, emphasizes environmental sustainability, being the only carbon-negative country globally. It charges tourists a daily Sustainable Development Fee to promote conservation and cultural protection. Historically, Bhutan has taken steps to limit external influence, delaying the introduction of television and cell phones until 1999 and 2003, respectively.
However, Bhutan’s policies are not without controversy. The “One Nation, One People” policy led to the marginalization of non-Buddhist groups, particularly Nepali-speaking Hindus, resulting in citizenship revocations and significant displacement. Many of these refugees resettled in the United States, particularly in Ohio, where the local Bhutanese community thrives.
The unclear rationale behind categorizing Bhutan as a ‘red’ country hinges on recent immigration patterns, particularly a reported overstay rate of 12.71% for Bhutanese on B1/B2 visas. This statistic, albeit based on a small number of individuals, raises concerns regarding irregular migration, although it represents only around 23 cases per year compared to overstay rates in larger nations.
According to the Pew Research Center, the Bhutanese population in the U.S. remains static, notwithstanding prior increases in migration. Bhutanese figures have remained around 24,000 since 2015, suggesting minimal demographic changes. Responses from Bhutanese officials to their potential listing have been critical, emphasizing discord between their peaceful national identity and association with nations perceived as security threats.
In previous policy moves, Bhutan has faced stringent requirements from the Trump administration, including a proposal mandating hefty bonds for travelers from countries with substantial overstay rates.
In conclusion, Bhutan’s inclusion on President Trump’s potential travel ban list raises questions about immigration data and national security. Despite being known for its commitment to happiness and sustainability, Bhutan faces scrutiny due to perceived overstay rates among its citizens. As the U.S. government reassesses its immigration policies, the complexities surrounding Bhutan demonstrate the interplay between national security concerns and the distinct identities of nations deemed on the ‘red list.’
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
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