Trump Urges New Travel Ban That May Soon Target Afghans, Pakistanis | Report

President Donald Trump is weighing a new travel prohibition which could soon bar people from entering the U.S. from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The move would be based on a review of security threats and vetting concerns ongoing in the two nations. The prohibition might take effect as early as next week, with more nations possibly being included on the list, though the countries are not specified.

Background of the Ban

The ban proposed is reminiscent of Trump’s earlier actions in his first term, which were aimed at seven majority-Muslim countries. His travel ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, was later rescinded by former President Joe Biden in 2021, who called it “a stain on our national conscience.”

Afghan and Pakistani Resettlement at Risk

The new travel restrictions would affect thousands of Afghans who were cleared for resettlement in the U.S. under Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or as refugees. These individuals, who worked with the U.S. during its 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, are at risk of Taliban retribution. However, the new ban may also impact Afghans cleared for resettlement, as they have already undergone rigorous vetting processes. According to one source, Afghans who are cleared for resettlement are “more highly vetted than any population” in the world.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Trump’s January executive order required increased security screening for foreigners applying to enter the U.S. to detect national security risks. The order is the basis for the proposed ban, which suggests suspending travel from Afghanistan and Pakistan, among others. A list of nations for travel suspensions should be released by March 12.

Special Considerations for Afghan Visa Holders

The U.S. State Department office handling Afghan resettlements is trying to get an exemption for SIV holders from the ban, which is not expected to be approved. The office also has the responsibility of preparing its closure by April. The U.S. meanwhile continues to have problems in Afghanistan, where the Taliban is combating a local Islamic State insurgency, and in Pakistan, which has violent Islamist militant groups.

Urgency for Afghan Visa Holders

Shawn VanDiver, director of #AfghanEvac, an Afghan resettlement advocacy group, asked Afghans who hold legitimate U.S. visas to flee immediately before being hit by the potential ban. He cautioned that the ban might harshly hurt Afghan visa recipients awaiting relocation. Approximately 200,000 Afghans are already approved for U.S. resettlement or have applications under review, many stranded in Afghanistan or elsewhere, including Pakistan.

Concerns for U.S. Refugee Admissions

As a reaction to Trump’s directives, the U.S. has already suspended refugee admissions and funding for their resettlement, holding back the processing of visa holders, including Afghans. The limitations could have a substantial impact on the future of Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa applicants.