U.S. Travel Ban on Bhutan: Understanding the Reasons Behind the Trump Administration’s Decision
The U.S. has placed Bhutan on a travel ban list categorized as Red due to visa violations and illegal immigration concerns. This decision, surprising given Bhutan’s reputation for happiness, imposes stringent restrictions on its citizens and may affect U.S.-Bhutan diplomatic relations. The Bhutanese government has sought reconsideration of this policy.
Since assuming office a second time, former President Donald Trump has instituted stricter measures, including the creation of a travel ban list comprising 43 nations. This list is categorized into three tiers: Red, Orange, and Yellow. The countries designated in the Red List face the most severe prohibitions. This includes nations experiencing conflict or having fraught diplomatic relationships with the United States, such as Afghanistan and North Korea. Notably, the inclusion of Bhutan, deemed one of the happiest countries globally, has drawn attention.
A significant factor contributing to Bhutan’s designation is the high incidence of visa violations among its nationals, particularly concerning overstaying their permitted duration. The U.S. government views this as a national security issue. There has also been an increase in Bhutanese individuals entering the U.S. through unlawful means, exacerbating concerns about immigration practices. Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicates that 37% of Bhutanese visitors violated visa regulations in the previous year.
As a consequence of Bhutan’s placement on the Red List, citizens will face stringent screening processes for visa applications, with potential rejections occurring without explicit justification. Furthermore, Bhutanese nationals currently residing in the United States will encounter heightened scrutiny, complicating their ability to travel, particularly affecting students and professionals seeking educational or employment opportunities.
This new policy could strain the otherwise amicable diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bhutan. In response to this development, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially urged the United States government to reconsider its decision. While many of the eleven countries on the Red List—such as Afghanistan and Syria—are afflicted by turmoil, the articulation of Bhutan’s status within this framework has surprised observers.
The United States’ decision to include Bhutan on its travel ban list has raised significant concerns, primarily stemming from visa violations by its nationals. Although Bhutan is often recognized for its high levels of happiness, its designation reflects broader security implications. Bhutanese citizens will now face stringent screening and challenges in obtaining U.S. visas, which could affect diplomatic relations and individual opportunities. The Bhutanese government has responded by petitioning for a reassessment of this move.
Original Source: www.india.com
