US Considers Travel Ban on Pakistanis Amid Security Concerns
The United States has advised against travel to parts of Pakistan and may implement a ban on entries from Pakistan and Afghanistan. This development follows a recent advisory and the context of ongoing resettlement efforts for Afghans who assisted the US. Trump’s administration seeks to enhance scrutiny of foreign nationals entering the country, motivated by national security concerns.
The United States has issued an advisory that recommends against travel to areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, classifying Pakistan as a dangerous country due to terrorism concerns. Concurrently, there are reports suggesting that the US administration under President Donald Trump may soon implement travel bans specifically targeting individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to Reuters, this new travel ban is under review by the US administration and could potentially prevent entry for individuals from both countries. Sources indicate that the travel restrictions are expected to be announced within the next ten days.
A source cited by news agency IANS mentioned that Afghanistan will likely be included in a list of countries subject to a comprehensive travel ban, with Pakistan also being recommended for inclusion. This follows the ongoing resettlement efforts for Afghans who collaborated with the United States during its two-decade military engagement in Afghanistan.
As of now, approximately 200,000 Afghans are reportedly awaiting resettlement in the US after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Furthermore, around 20,000 Afghans who possess Special Immigrant Visas are currently stranded in Pakistan and risk deportation back to Afghanistan due to a recent 90-day freeze on refugee admissions initiated by Trump.
Trump’s executive order emphasizes the need for rigorous scrutiny and vetting of foreign nationals seeking entry into the US, with heightened focus on identifying national security threats. The travel ban aims to ensure comprehensive evaluations of security protocols associated with both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The article underscores the precarious situation facing Pakistan as the US potentially prepares to implement travel bans that may affect its citizens. With travel advisories in place and a looming freeze on refugee admissions, the implications for Afghan and Pakistani nationals are profound. The US’s ongoing evaluations of security processes reflect a stringent approach toward immigration from these regions, signaling critical challenges for affected individuals in the near future.
Original Source: www.india.com
