The United States may soon impose a travel ban on Pakistan and Afghanistan, with President Donald Trump reportedly considering restrictions due to security and vetting concerns. According to reports, the ban could take effect as early as next week.
The Trump administration has compiled a list of countries facing travel restrictions based on a government review of security risks. While Pakistan and Afghanistan are expected to be included, sources indicate that additional countries may also be affected, though no other names have been confirmed.
This move mirrors Trump’s 2017 travel ban on seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 but later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021, who called it a “stain on our national conscience.”
Stricter security measures
Upon returning to office on January 20, Trump issued an executive order mandating enhanced security screening for all foreign nationals seeking entry into the US. The order required officials to identify countries with inadequate vetting procedures by March 12, leading to potential travel suspensions.
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Trump had previously outlined his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to limit entry from regions perceived as security threats, including the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
The travel restrictions could have severe consequences for tens of thousands of Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders who had been approved for U.S. resettlement due to their past collaboration with American forces during the 20-year war. Despite undergoing rigorous security screening—described as the most thorough for any immigrant group—many may now be unable to relocate.
Reuters reported that the State Department is pushing for an exemption for SIV holders, though approval is uncertain. Meanwhile, the office responsible for Afghan relocation efforts has been instructed to plan for its closure by April.
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition assisting Afghan resettlement, advised visa holders to travel immediately if possible, warning that the new restrictions could take effect within days. Currently, approximately 200,000 Afghans, including 20,000 in Pakistan, await US resettlement.
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A day after praising Pakistan for its role in capturing a Taliban operative, Trump’s administration signaled its intent to restrict travel from the country. Despite this, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about improved ties with Washington.
Trump’s latest directive follows his previous travel ban in 2017, which targeted several Muslim-majority nations and was later repealed by Biden.
