A potential new travel ban from the United States, reportedly set to be implemented as early as next week, could affect Pakistani citizens as well.
Quoting sources within the US government, a Reuters story indicated that the ban, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, could severely restrict entry for Pakistani citizens, alongside those from Afghanistan.
While the US government has yet to officially confirm the details, the news has sparked widespread concern and uncertainty.
The proposed ban echoes Trump’s earlier travel restrictions targeting several Muslim-majority nations. This new iteration, reportedly based on a review of national security risks and vetting processes, is expected to significantly impact the thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the US annually for education, work, and family matters.
The potential economic ramifications are considerable, affecting remittances sent home by Pakistanis living and working in the US.
Another country likely to be subjected to the ban is Afghanistan. The ban could spell more issues for Afghan refugees, given the already precarious situation facing many Afghans awaiting resettlement in the US.
Thousands of Afghans, many of whom have been cleared for resettlement as refugees or on Special Immigrant Visas after assisting US forces during the 20-year war, are currently stranded in various countries, including an estimated 20,000 in Pakistan. The ban could effectively halt their resettlement process, leaving them in vulnerable situations.
While the US State Department has not yet commented officially, concerns are rising that even those Afghans who have undergone rigorous vetting processes might be affected. The potential closure of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts office further exacerbates the situation.
In 2018, Trump had imposed a ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries. Although it attracted widespread criticism, the ban was upheld by the US Supreme Court. However, the new Joe Biden administration had repealed the ban in 2021.
