Trump's potential travel ban targets Afghanistan, Pakistan
Reuters reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a travel ban that could include citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has also been stated that a decision could be made next week.
The new regulations are expected to result from a review of the U.S. government's security procedures and mechanisms for controlling individuals entering the country.
According to anonymous Reuters sources, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the top two countries that may face travel restrictions. Other countries might also be considered.
While reporting on this topic, Reuters referenced Donald Trump's first term. At that time, he implemented a controversial travel ban covering citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.
After lengthy court battles, the Supreme Court ultimately upheld this ban in 2018. In 2021, Trump's successor, President Joe Biden, annulled the decision, calling it a "stain on the nation's conscience."
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The new ban could impact tens of thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement in the USA as refugees or holders of special immigrant visas. These individuals are mainly those at risk of retaliation from the Taliban for collaborating with Americans during the twenty-year war in Afghanistan.
President Trump already signed an executive order on January 20 mandating tightening security controls on foreigners seeking to enter the USA.
The document obliges administration officials to present a list of countries from which entry should be partially or completely suspended due to "insufficient security control procedures" by March 12.
