The United States government is reportedly preparing to impose strict visa restrictions on Pakistanis, according to a document obtained by The New York Times. The new policy, drafted by the Trump administration, will make it much harder for Pakistani citizens to travel to the U.S., except for wealthy business travelers.
What This Means for Pakistan
Under the proposed rule, Pakistan has been placed on the “orange” list, which means:
- Tourist and immigrant visas will be severely limited.
- Only affluent business travelers will have easier access.
- Pakistanis applying for a U.S. visa must go through mandatory in-person interviews.
This is part of a larger plan that categorizes countries into three lists—red, orange, and yellow—based on how much risk they pose to U.S. security, according to officials.
Countries Affected by the Visa Ban
- Red List: Countries facing a complete travel ban include Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela.
- Orange List: Countries facing severe visa restrictions, like Pakistan, include Russia, Myanmar, Turkmenistan, and others.
- Yellow List: Countries given 60 days to improve security measures include Cameroon, Benin, and Malawi, among others.
Why Is This Happening?
The new visa policy stems from an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, directing the U.S. State Department to enforce stricter vetting for visa applicants. The goal, according to officials, is to tighten security and reduce risks.
What’s Next?
If the policy is officially implemented, Pakistanis looking to visit the U.S. may face long delays and difficulties in obtaining a visa. While business travelers may still be able to enter, students, tourists, and those seeking immigration will have to navigate a much tougher process.
This move has sparked concerns among Pakistani officials, who may push for diplomatic discussions to ease the restrictions. Until then, Pakistani citizens planning to visit the U.S. should stay updated on the latest visa rules and prepare for possible delays.
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