President Donald Trump’s new travel ban, set to be implemented as early as next week, could block individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The restriction comes after a review of security risks and vetting processes by the U.S. government.
While Afghanistan and Pakistan are confirmed to be included in the proposed ban, other countries may also be affected, though specifics have not been disclosed.
This move echoes Trump’s first term travel ban, which targeted citizens from seven majority-Muslim countries and faced several revisions before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Following Trump’s term, President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, calling it a “stain on our national conscience.”
The new ban could severely impact tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for resettlement in the U.S. on Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) due to their risk of Taliban retribution for aiding U.S. forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.
The Trump administration’s executive order, issued in January 2020, mandated a more stringent security vetting process for foreign nationals. By March 12, the U.S. government was tasked with recommending countries for partial or complete travel bans due to deficient vetting and screening information. Afghanistan and Pakistan were named as likely candidates.
The restrictions may also affect Afghan refugees who have been awaiting relocation in the U.S. A source mentioned that although Afghan SIV holders undergo extensive screening, there is little chance of an exemption being granted. Additionally, the office responsible for their relocation efforts is planning for closure by April.
As the U.S. gears up for these potential travel restrictions, advocacy groups urge Afghan visa holders to travel as soon as possible to avoid being impacted by the changes. With around 200,000 Afghans awaiting resettlement, many are stranded in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
