A brand new journey ban from President Donald Trump might take impact as early as subsequent week, doubtlessly barring vacationers from Pakistan and Afghanistan in a dramatic escalation of his immigration crackdown, as per the sources quoted by Reuters.
The coverage, eerily harking back to Trump’s controversial “Muslim ban” from his first time period, is ready to dam 1000’s of Afghans who aided US forces from reaching security, throwing their fates into uncertainty.
A return to excessive vetting?
As per reviews, the brand new restrictions stem from an govt order Trump signed on January 20, his first day again in workplace. The order mandates a stricter safety overview of international nationals and calls for an inventory of nations that allegedly pose nationwide safety dangers. That listing, sources say, contains Afghanistan and Pakistan, with different nations presumably being added.
Whereas the Trump administration insists the transfer is about safety, critics name it a heartless betrayal of Afghan allies who risked their lives working alongside American forces.
“They vetted us, then they banned us”
Amongst these left in limbo are over 200,000 Afghans awaiting US visas—lots of them former translators, navy aides, and authorities employees promised safety from Taliban retaliation.
“Afghans who cleared resettlement screenings are already essentially the most closely vetted individuals on the planet,” a US official acquainted with the method was quoted as saying. “And but, right here we’re, shutting the door of their faces.”
Trump’s crackdown additionally comes amid rising Taliban violence and Islamic State insurgencies in Afghanistan, leaving many fearing that deportations or stranded visa candidates might face lethal penalties.
Pakistan additionally on the listing?
Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation and longtime US ally, can be anticipated to be included within the ban. The transfer is more likely to inflame tensions between Washington and Islamabad, particularly as Pakistan grapples with its personal wave of violent extremism.
With 20,000 Afghan refugees caught in Pakistan, advocates concern a bureaucratic nightmare unfolding—stranded visa holders, households torn aside, and mounting strain on an already overwhelmed Pakistani authorities.
“Depart now” warning issued
In response, Shawn VanDiver, head of the #AfghanEvac coalition, is urging visa holders to go away instantly.
“A number of sources throughout the US authorities recommend a brand new journey restriction might be applied throughout the subsequent week,” he mentioned in a press release.
What occurs subsequent?
The official listing of banned international locations is anticipated by March 12, whereas Afghan resettlement efforts might be shut down by April. Trump’s 90-day freeze on refugee admissions has already left 1000’s stranded in limbo.
Whereas authorized challenges and diplomatic pushback are inevitable, for a lot of Afghans and Pakistanis determined to succeed in the US, time is working out.