President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a new travel ban that may restrict entry from several Muslim-majority nations into the United States.
According to Reuters, a review of security and vetting risks associated with foreign countries, requested by Trump, is nearing completion. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that an announcement regarding a new travel ban is imminent.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to be included, along with several nations from the list of seven Muslim-majority countries affected by Trump’s initial travel ban in early 2017.
Although President Joe Biden rescinded Trump’s ban in 2021, recent concerns about potential terrorist threats originating from the Middle East have prompted Trump to reconsider such measures. He has also indicated plans to expand the travel ban to include individuals from Gaza following the recent Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Trump is expected to unveil several new executive orders later today as he approaches the completion of his first 100 days in office.
This proposed ban could significantly impact tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for resettlement in the U.S. as refugees or Special Immigrant Visa recipients, particularly those at risk of Taliban retaliation for their assistance to U.S. forces during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
Sources indicate that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are likely to be recommended for inclusion in the new travel ban list, as shared by anonymous insiders.
