Trump’s New Travel Ban May Bar Pakistan, Afghanistan Citizens from Entering US

President Donald Trump is considering a new travel ban that could prevent citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed policy is based on a national security review assessing the vetting and screening processes of various countries.

The move is reminiscent of Trump’s controversial travel ban from his first term, which targeted several Muslim-majority nations and was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018. The new restrictions could impact thousands of Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders who had worked with US forces during the war in Afghanistan.

According to reports, US authorities have identified Afghanistan as a high-risk country and will likely impose a full travel ban on its citizens. Pakistan is also expected to be on the list, though official confirmation is still awaited.

While Trump’s administration claims the ban is necessary for national security, critics argue that many affected individuals have already undergone rigorous vetting. Afghan refugees and visa holders are among the most thoroughly screened groups, making this move particularly controversial.

Immigration experts warn that this ban could disrupt relocation efforts for thousands of Afghans who are currently stranded in various countries, including 20,000 in Pakistan. Advocacy groups are urging visa holders to travel to the US as soon as possible before the new policy takes effect.

With Trump’s second term marked by a crackdown on immigration, the world now awaits an official announcement regarding the extent of this new travel ban.