Trump’s US New Travel Ban May Restrict Entry for Paksitani’s and Afghanis – Reuters
- Top US officials are set to submit a report on a potential travel ban.
- Afghanistan and Pakistan may be added to the list of countries facing travel restrictions, according to sources.
- Tens of thousands of Afghans & Pakistani's could be affected by the proposed travel ban.
Reuters Report that a new travel ban by U.S. President Donald Trump could bar individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the United States as early as next week. According to sources familiar with the matter, the U.S. government is conducting a security review to determine countries with potential vetting risks.
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The proposed ban recalls Trump’s first-term restrictions on travelers from several Muslim-majority countries, a policy that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
Who Will Be Affected?
If implemented, the ban could impact tens of thousands of Afghans, including those who have been approved for resettlement under refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). These individuals, many of whom worked with U.S. forces, face significant risks under Taliban rule.
Pakistan is also expected to be included in the recommended list for travel suspension. The decision follows Trump’s January 20 executive order, which mandates stricter vetting procedures and requires a list of high-risk countries by March 21.
Potential Exemptions & Concerns
U.S. agencies, including the State Department, are reportedly seeking exemptions for Afghan SIV holders, but sources suggest that approval is unlikely. The ban may also disrupt the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, which has been tasked with developing a closure plan by April.
Security concerns in both Afghanistan and Pakistan remain high, with the Taliban facing insurgencies from ISIS-affiliated groups and Pakistan struggling with militant violence.
What Comes Next?
Trump’s immigration crackdown aligns with his broader policy to restrict entry from countries perceived as security threats. In a 2023 speech, he vowed to impose travel restrictions on individuals from Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other regions deemed high-risk.
In response, advocacy groups like #AfghanEvac are urging Afghan visa holders to travel to the U.S. immediately if possible. While no official announcement has been made, reports indicate that the new restrictions could take effect within days, leaving thousands in uncertainty.
Stay updated with TeachifyMe for further developments on this evolving situation.
