A new travel ban under President Donald Trump’s administration might soon block people from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States. This restriction could take effect as early as next week, according to reports from sources familiar with the matter. The ban might also include travelers from other countries, though their names have not yet been revealed.
This move is similar to the travel restrictions Trump introduced during his first term, which mainly targeted several Muslim-majority countries. Those earlier bans were challenged in court but were ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. However, after taking office in 2021, former President Joe Biden reversed the ban, calling it unfair and against American values.
The potential new restrictions could have a major impact, especially on Afghan citizens who were approved for resettlement in the U.S. under refugee programs and Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). Many of these individuals previously worked with the U.S. military and are at risk of Taliban retaliation. If the ban is imposed, tens of thousands of Afghans, including those stranded in other countries like Pakistan, may lose their chance to relocate to the U.S.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order that called for stricter security screenings for travelers entering the U.S. The order requires officials to identify countries with weak vetting procedures by March 12. Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to be on that list, making them subject to a full or partial travel ban.
Security experts argue that Afghan SIV holders already go through some of the most rigorous background checks in the world. In response, the U.S. State Department’s refugee resettlement office is reportedly trying to secure an exemption for them. However, it remains unclear whether their request will be approved. At the same time, reports suggest that this office has been ordered to prepare for a potential shutdown by April.
The situation in Afghanistan has remained unstable since the Taliban took over in August 2021. The country is now dealing with continuous threats from ISIS-K militants. Meanwhile, Pakistan also faces significant security challenges due to violent extremist groups.
Trump has long promised to tighten immigration policies, especially for individuals coming from regions he considers high-risk. In an October 2023 speech, he announced plans to restrict entry from places such as Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. The upcoming travel ban aligns with these policies, aiming to enhance national security by limiting entry from certain nations.
Shawn VanDiver, the head of #AfghanEvac, a group that helps Afghans relocate to the U.S., advised approved visa holders to enter the country as soon as possible. He stated that while no official confirmation has been made, multiple sources indicate that the travel ban could be enforced within a week. If that happens, many Afghan visa holders waiting for relocation might lose their opportunity.
Currently, nearly 200,000 Afghans have been approved for U.S. resettlement or are in the process of applying for visas. Many of them are stuck in Afghanistan or other countries, including about 20,000 in Pakistan. Trump’s recent executive order has already paused refugee admissions and stopped financial aid that helps them travel. If the travel ban is officially implemented, these individuals may be left with no safe way to reach the United States.
Read Also: Trump Thanks Pakistan for Helping Capture Kabul Attack Mastermind!
