Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has said that the US administration has not imposed a blanket ban on Pakistani nationals travelling to the United States, but some travel restrictions may be introduced.
His remarks come amid reports that US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a new travel ban, which could include Pakistan and Afghanistan, based on a government review of security and vetting risks.
These new restrictions are reportedly similar to those implemented during Trump’s first term, when restrictions were placed on several majority-Muslim countries.
A new travel ban policy by President Donald Trump is expected to take effect as soon as next week and it stems from a government review assessing security and vetting risks. Other countries may also be affected, but details remain unclear.
The move called back Trump’s controversial first-term travel ban, which initially targeted various majority-Muslim nations and was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court back in the 2018. His successor, President Joe Biden, repealed the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
However, new executive order of Trump, which was released on January 20, mandates stricter security vetting for all foreign nationals looking for U.S. entry, with a report due by March 12 recommending which countries must need to encounter travel restrictions.
Afghanistan is anticipated to be added on the list for a full travel ban, with Pakistan also likely to be suggested. If this is implemented, this policy will definitely impact tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for resettlement in the U.S. as refugees or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders. Many of these masses worked alongside U.S. forces during the war time in Afghanistan, that continued for 20 years and now encountered serious threats from the Taliban.
Criticizers are keeping on arguing that Afghans applying for U.S. resettlement already undergo the most rigorous vetting process of the World. One source cited that the State Department office responsible for Afghan relocation is advocating for an exemption for SIV holders, but success appears unlikely. That same office has reportedly been given instructions to develop a shutdown plan by April.
Read more: 52,520 Pakistanis banned from travelling abroad
With the Taliban fighting an ongoing insurgency by Islamic State militants and Pakistan struggling with extremist violence, concerns over security risks persist. However, advocates fear that cutting off entry to vulnerable populations will leave thousands stranded in dangerous situations.
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition aiding Afghan refugees, urged those with valid U.S. visas to travel immediately if possible. “A new travel restriction may significantly impact Afghan visa holders awaiting relocation,” he warned.
Currently, about 200,000 Afghans are either approved for U.S. resettlement or have pending refugee and SIV applications. Many remain stuck in Afghanistan or in third countries, including some 20,000 in Pakistan. Their future now hangs in the balance as Trump’s latest immigration crackdown unfolds.