President Donald Trump is preparing to implement a new travel ban that could prevent individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the United States as early as next week.
The Proposed Ban
This forthcoming ban is based on a government review assessing countries’ security and vetting procedures. The review identified Afghanistan and Pakistan as nations with potential risks, leading to their inclusion in the proposed travel restrictions. Other countries may also be affected, though specific details have yet to be disclosed.
Impact on Afghan Refugees
The ban could significantly affect tens of thousands of Afghans who have been cleared for resettlement in the U.S. These individuals, including those with Special Immigrant Visas, are at risk of Taliban retribution due to their association with U.S. forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The sudden policy shift leaves many in a precarious situation, uncertain about their future safety and resettlement prospects.
Historical Context
This move echoes Trump’s previous travel bans during his first term, which targeted several majority-Muslim countries. Those bans underwent multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The policy was later rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021, who referred to it as “a stain on our national conscience.”
Official Responses
As of now, the State Department and other relevant agencies have not commented on the proposed ban. The Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts is seeking exemptions for Afghan visa holders, but the success of these efforts remains uncertain.
