The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has imposed a travel ban on Bhutan, categorizing the nation under the Red List due to visa violations by its nationals. Approximately 37% of Bhutanese visitors have breached U.S. visa rules, prompting heightened scrutiny for both applicants and those already residing in the U.S. This unexpected inclusion may strain diplomatic relations between Bhutan and the United States.
Since the commencement of Donald Trump’s second term, the U.S. government has enacted stricter policies regarding immigration. A recent development includes the compilation of a list featuring 43 nations, categorized into three classifications: Red, Orange, and Yellow. Countries designated under the Red List are subjected to the most stringent travel restrictions, disallowing citizens from these nations entry into the United States. This list predominantly encompasses conflict-ridden regions, including Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, characterized by instability or strained diplomatic relations.
Notably, Bhutan, often recognized as one of the happiest nations, has been unexpectedly included in the Red List. A critical factor contributing to this decision is the significant prevalence of Bhutanese nationals violating U.S. visa regulations, specifically by overstaying their allowed durations. This ongoing issue has escalated into a national security concern for U.S. authorities. Furthermore, there has been a troubling increase in Bhutanese individuals entering the U.S. through illicit means, heightening governmental alarms regarding immigration control.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 37% of Bhutanese visitors breached visa rules last year. Consequently, with Bhutan’s designation on the Red List, its citizens will now face thorough screening processes prior to visa approval, with many applications potentially subject to rejection without explicit justification.
The implications of these restrictions extend not only to future visa applicants but also to Bhutanese individuals currently residing in the United States, who will encounter heightened scrutiny. This situation poses significant hurdles, particularly for Bhutanese students and professionals who regularly travel to the U.S. for academic pursuits and employment opportunities.
Moreover, this recent U.S. policy shift may strain the historically amicable diplomatic relations between the United States and Bhutan. In response to these developments, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally urged the U.S. government to reassess its position regarding the travel ban. Among the eleven countries placed on the Red List, many, such as Afghanistan and Somalia, manifest ongoing unrest and conflict, making their inclusion somewhat understandable. In contrast, the inclusion of Bhutan, despite its peaceful reputation, has perplexed many observers.
In conclusion, the U.S. government has implemented travel restrictions on Bhutan, categorizing its citizens under the Red List. This decision follows a notable trend of visa violations and unauthorized entries by Bhutanese nationals, raising concerns over national security. This move is likely to complicate the visa acquisition process and create obstacles for Bhutanese individuals currently in the United States. Furthermore, the implications may extend to diplomatic relations, prompting Bhutan to call for a reconsideration of the ban.
Original Source: www.india.com
