### Trump Administration Considers New Travel Ban Targeting Afghanistan and Pakistan The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to impose a new travel ban that could affect citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This move follows a directive issued by President Trump on January 20, which mandated enhanced security vetting for foreign nationals and required cabinet members to submit a list of countries from which travel should be suspended by March 21, 2025. The potential ban is reminiscent of previous travel restrictions enacted during Trump's first term, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries, raising concerns about its implications for Afghan and Pakistani immigrants, particularly those seeking refuge from Taliban retribution and other threats [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/trump-us-travel-ban-bar-afghans-pakistanis-9873517, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/donald-trump-planning-a-full-travel-ban-on-pakistanis-and-afghans-what-report-says-101741320679280.html]. ### Structure of the Proposed Travel Ban 1. **Countries Affected**: - Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to be at the forefront of the proposed travel ban, with reports indicating that other nations may also be included [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/new-trump-travel-ban-could-bar-afghans-pakistanis-soon-sources-say]. 2. **Reason for the Ban**: - The administration cites security concerns and deficiencies in the vetting processes of these countries as the primary reasons for the travel restrictions [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/new-trump-travel-ban-could-bar-afghans-pakistanis-soon-report-article-12957655.html]. 3. **Impact on Immigrants**: - The ban could severely affect Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders who are currently awaiting resettlement in the U.S., potentially blocking their entry as early as next week [https://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/new-trump-travel-ban-could-bar-afghans-pakistanis-soon-but-why/articleshow/118756766.cms]. 4. **Timeline**: - The new travel ban could be implemented as soon as March 12, 2025, following the completion of the security review [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3287345-new-trump-travel-ban-could-bar-afghans-pakistanis-soon-sources-say]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Historical Context**: The proposed travel ban echoes Trump's earlier policies, which restricted entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries, raising concerns about discrimination and human rights violations [https://www.india.com/news/world/trump-travel-ban-bad-news-for-afghan-pakistani-immigrants-as-donald-trump-to-reimpose-travel-ban-from-next-week-march-12-afghan-refugees-7663626]. - **Government Review**: The decision to potentially include Afghanistan and Pakistan in the travel ban follows a government assessment of security risks associated with these nations, indicating a systematic approach to national security [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/03/07/pakistan-and-afghanistan-could-be-added-to-new-us-travel-ban]. ### Conclusion and Implications In summary, the Trump administration's potential reimposition of a travel ban targeting Afghanistan and Pakistan raises significant concerns for thousands of immigrants and refugees. The implications of such a ban could be profound, affecting individuals who are already vulnerable due to the geopolitical situation in their home countries. 1. **Immediate Impact**: The ban could block entry for Afghan and Pakistani citizens as early as next week, significantly affecting those awaiting resettlement [https://www.gamereactor.eu/new-trump-travel-ban-could-restrict-afghan-and-pakistani-entry-to-united-states-according-to-sources-1509293]. 2. **Long-term Consequences**: This move may further strain U.S. relations with these countries and complicate the humanitarian situation for those seeking refuge from violence and persecution [https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/north-america/375611/trump’s-new-travel-ban-could-bar-afghans]. 3. **Call for Action**: Advocacy groups and human rights organizations are likely to respond strongly against the proposed ban, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach to immigration and refugee resettlement [https://www.firstpost.com/world/trump-pushes-for-new-travel-ban-that-could-bar-afghans-pakistanis-soon-report-13869153.html].