The U.S. may soon impose a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Trump aims to reinstate a broader version of the Muslim ban. Concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact on refugees and resettlement cases. Positive remarks about Pakistan’s cooperation on security matters create hope for exemptions. The situation demands close observation due to its diplomatic significance and the implications for thousands awaiting entry.
The United States may soon implement travel restrictions for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, as President Donald Trump seeks to revive his administration’s controversial policy known as the Muslim ban. Shawn Vandiver, leader of the Afghan Evac coalition, indicated that the White House would receive a pertinent report on this matter by March 12. This follows Trump’s directive in January to enhance visa-approval processes and conduct rigorous vetting of potential visitors.
Vandiver expressed concerns, stating, “We expect [the Trump administration] to take action very quickly,” while emphasizing that numerous countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, are being considered for full suspension. However, he hopes that exemptions will be made for refugees; a final decision is still pending.
A source informed The National that Pakistani officials are hopeful Pakistan will not be included in the travel ban, given recent commendations from Trump and senior officials for Pakistan’s assistance in capturing Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspect linked to a tragic bombing in Kabul. Trump remarked, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” highlighting the importance of this event.
Trump’s January executive order seeks to identify nations with insufficient security and vetting, which could lead to a new travel ban based on risks associated with individuals from these countries. Reports suggest that the potential ban may be broader than the original policy enacted in 2017, which impacted several predominantly Muslim countries.
The upcoming ban could significantly affect tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for resettlement in the United States as refugees or through Special Immigrant Visas due to threats from the Taliban. The U.S. population of Pakistani descent was estimated at 629,946 in 2021, with indications of over one million in more recent numbers, alongside a significant number of Afghan resettlement cases currently in limbo after Trump’s January 20 freeze on refugee admissions.
In summary, the United States is considering imposing a travel ban on individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of a potential revival of the Muslim ban policy. With reports suggesting imminent actions, the fate of numerous refugees and those awaiting resettlement remains uncertain. The diplomatic implications of this decision are profound, particularly in light of Pakistan’s recent cooperation with the U.S. in counter-terrorism efforts. This situation warrants close monitoring as developments unfold.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
