Trump’s Travel Ban Draft: Why Bhutan is on the ‘Red List’?

A draft travel ban by President Trump includes Bhutan, a country known for prioritizing happiness and sustainability, which raises questions about its classification as a ‘red’ country. While Bhutan is commended for eco-friendly practices, concerns over overstay rates among Bhutanese nationals may contribute to its designation. This classification highlights the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies and their impact on peaceful nations.

President Trump’s updated travel ban list has circulated as a draft, categorizing countries into “red,” “orange,” and “yellow.” The “red” countries face an automatic ban for all citizens, while “orange” countries necessitate in-person visa interviews. A surprising inclusion on the draft is Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation known for its focus on Gross National Happiness rather than GDP, which does not align with the countries typically found on such a list.

Bhutan, with a population under 800,000, is notable for its environmentally sustainable practices and prioritization of its citizens’ well-being. As the only carbon-negative country globally, Bhutan’s policies aim to balance tourism and cultural preservation, evidenced by a required $100-per-day Sustainable Development Fee imposed on all visitors. This reflects the nation’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives and protected cultural heritage.

While Bhutan emphasizes its isolation from external influences—including a late introduction of television and the internet—there are controversial aspects of its policies. The “One Nation, One People” initiative led to the erasure of cultural identities, disenfranchising minorities, particularly Nepali-speaking Hindus, resulting in a large Bhutanese refugee community in the United States.

Currently, the reason for Bhutan’s categorization as a “red” country is unclear, although it may relate to reported irregular migration patterns. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated a higher rate of overstays among Bhutanese nationals, with 12.71 percent of B1/B2 visa holders overstaying, which translates to roughly 23 individuals—a stark contrast to other countries with significantly higher overstay numbers.

Bhutanese immigrants have consistently settled in the U.S., particularly in Ohio, where the largest community resides. According to the Pew Research Center, this population remains stable, leading one to consider the larger implications of labeling Bhutan as a country with national security concerns. Former Bhutanese politician Karma Loday criticized the potential designation, highlighting the disparity between Bhutan’s peaceful existence and other countries associated with terrorism. Additionally, this is not Bhutan’s first encounter with Trump’s immigration policies, as it was previously included in a proposed program demanding hefty bonds from countries with substantial overstay rates.

In summary, Bhutan’s placement on President Trump’s potential travel ban list raises perplexing questions, especially given its focus on sustainability and happiness. While justified on grounds of reported overstay rates, the actual numbers reveal a minimal issue. The inclusion of Bhutan underscores the complexities of immigration policies and their impacts on nations recognized for their peaceful existence.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk