Zimbabwe Listed Among 43 Nations Facing Potential US Travel Restrictions
Zimbabwe is among 43 countries that may face travel restrictions under a proposed US travel ban, which categorizes nations based on national security threats. Citizens from certain nations may face complete bans, while others have a window to address US concerns or face tougher restrictions.
Zimbabwe has been identified as one of 43 nations that may face travel restrictions to the United States due to national security concerns, as reported by various media outlets. An internal memo circulated among President Donald Trump’s aides details a proposed travel ban categorized into three tiers: red, orange, and yellow.
In the proposed plan, citizens from the 11 countries placed in the “red” category would face an outright ban from entering the United States. The countries in this category include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. The list has been developed by the US State Department and may undergo modifications pending approval.
Countries classified in the “orange” tier would experience limitations on immigrant, tourist, and student visas, although some exemptions would apply. This group comprises Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
Zimbabwe is classified in the “yellow” category, meaning it has 60 days to address the United States’ concerns to avoid being moved to either the red or orange categories, which entail stricter travel prohibitions. Other countries facing potential travel restrictions include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Vanuatu, and several others in Africa and the Caribbean.
The White House has not made any official comment regarding the internal memo discussing these travel restrictions. The proposal follows an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, aimed at safeguarding the United States from individuals perceived as threats to national security.
During a press briefing, President Trump was queried about the potential inclusion of countries in the travel ban but refrained from providing specific information, calling it “a stupid thing for me to say.” This proposed travel ban echoes his earlier decision in January 2017, which led to significant controversy labeled the “Muslim ban,” prompting protests across the country.
Subsequently, the US Supreme Court permitted a revised version of this travel ban, which was upheld in 2018. However, upon President Joe Biden’s arrival in office in 2021, the travel ban was repealed, criticized as “a stain on our national conscience.” Biden’s administration emphasized the United States’ longstanding tradition of welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s potential inclusion among countries facing new US travel restrictions highlights ongoing national security concerns expressed by the US government. The classification of countries into red, orange, and yellow tiers illustrates the varying degrees of restrictions, with Zimbabwe currently in a position to address US concerns to mitigate potential travel bans. The historical context of travel bans under previous administrations adds complexity to the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration policies.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
