Trump mulls new travel ban, Afghanistan and Pakistan may top list
Reuters reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to implement a travel ban, which could include citizens from Afghanistan and Pakistan. A final decision might be made as early as next week.
The anticipated regulations result from the American government's review of security procedures and mechanisms for controlling people entering the U.S.
According to anonymous sources cited by Reuters, Afghanistan and Pakistan are at the forefront of countries that might face travel restrictions. Other countries may also be considered for inclusion in the ban.
During Trump's first term, he introduced a controversial travel ban encompassing citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.
After prolonged legal challenges, the Supreme Court ultimately upheld this ban in 2018. In 2021, Trump's successor, President Joe Biden, reversed the decision, labeling it "a stain on the nation's conscience."
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The potential new ban could impact tens of thousands of Afghans waiting to be resettled in the U.S. as refugees or holders of special immigrant visas. These individuals are primarily at risk of reprisals from the Taliban due to their collaboration with Americans during the twenty-year conflict in Afghanistan.
On January 20, President Trump signed an executive order enforcing stricter security checks for foreigners intending to enter the U.S.
The order requires administration officials to submit a list of countries from which entry should be partially or completely suspended by March 12 due to "insufficient security control procedures."
