Washington: A new travel ban under US President Donald Trump could bar individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States as early as next week, sources familiar with the matter revealed.
The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that other countries might also be included in the restrictions but did not specify which ones. The move echoes Trump’s first-term travel ban, which initially targeted seven majority-Muslim nations and faced multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
Major Consequences for Afghan Refugees & Visa Holders
If implemented, the restrictions could jeopardize the resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans who have already been cleared for entry into the US through refugee programs and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). Many of these individuals worked for the US government during its 20-year war in Afghanistan and now face potential Taliban retribution.
Former President Joe Biden repealed Trump’s previous travel ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.” However, Trump’s new order revives and expands travel restrictions as part of his broader immigration crackdown.
Stricter Security Screening & Country Vetting
On January 20, Trump issued an executive order mandating stricter security screening for foreign nationals seeking entry into the US, citing national security concerns.
The order instructed multiple US government agencies to submit a list of countries by March 12 whose vetting processes are deemed inadequate, potentially leading to partial or full travel suspensions.
- Afghanistan is expected to face a complete travel ban
- Pakistan is likely to be recommended for inclusion
The State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Justice Department have yet to respond to requests for comment.
One source told Reuters that Afghan refugees and SIV applicants already undergo extensive security screenings, making them “more highly vetted than any population globally.”
Push for Exemptions Unlikely to Succeed
The US State Department office handling Afghan resettlement is reportedly pushing for an exemption for SIV holders, but sources say the request is unlikely to be granted.
The Taliban, who took control of Kabul in August 2021, continue to battle Islamic State militants while also facing mounting economic and humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, Pakistan is grappling with rising Islamist militancy and political instability.
Trump has long framed travel bans as a national security measure, reiterating in an October 2023 speech his intention to block immigration from high-risk regions such as Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Urgent Warning for Visa Holders
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac—a coalition assisting Afghan refugees—urged visa holders to leave for the US immediately if they have the opportunity.
“While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the US government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week,” he said in a statement.
The ban could impact over 200,000 Afghans who have been approved for resettlement or are awaiting decisions on refugee or SIV applications. Many remain stranded in Afghanistan and nearly 90 other countries, including 20,000 in Pakistan, since Trump’s January 20 executive order froze refugee admissions for 90 days and halted funding for relocation flights, according to Reuters.
Awaiting Official Announcement
With the March 12 deadline approaching, all eyes are on Washington as officials finalize the list of banned countries. If enacted, Trump’s reinstated travel ban is expected to face legal challenges similar to his previous executive orders.
The US government has yet to release an official statement on the exact details of the travel ban or the final list of affected countries.
