The Trump administration is finalizing a broader travel ban targeting specific countries, primarily those previously restricted. A proposed “red” list includes nations such as Afghanistan, suggesting imminent restrictions. Officials have alerted Afghan nationals abroad to return promptly due to these pending measures.
The Trump administration is preparing to implement a new and broader travel ban for specific countries, expanding upon the original restrictions introduced during President Trump’s first term. This initiative stems from President Trump’s longstanding campaign promise to restrict entry for Muslim individuals and has gained traction amidst ongoing legal challenges.
According to two officials familiar with internal discussions, a draft recommendation is being circulated within the administration, proposing a “red” list of nations whose citizens may face entry bans into the United States. The initial list mainly includes countries previously restricted under earlier versions of the travel ban. The countries in question include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Importantly, the draft also suggests the addition of Afghanistan to this list, thereby potentially subjecting its citizens to an outright travel ban. Shawn VanDiver, an executive from a nonprofit organization aiding Afghan nationals who collaborated with U.S. military forces, indicated that officials have confirmed the impending restrictions. His organization has issued an urgent advisory recommending Afghan citizens with valid U.S. visas currently abroad to return to the country as soon as possible.
Later, on the same day, news outlets reported that Afghanistan is indeed being considered for a total travel ban, confirming the severity of the proposed measures.
The Trump administration is set to revive and broaden travel bans, primarily affecting nations already on previous lists, with Afghanistan being a notable addition. Officials have advised Afghan nationals overseas to return to the U.S. immediately, indicating the urgency of these developments. This move reflects the administration’s continued focus on national security and immigration control, rooted in longstanding policy initiatives.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
