Pakistanis, Afghans to face US travel ban under Trump’s order

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a travel ban on citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan, which could be implemented as early as next week.

According to Reuters, the US government is assessing "security and vetting risks" associated with various countries, a process that may lead to new travel restrictions.

If enacted, the move would resemble the travel ban imposed during Trump’s previous administration, which restricted entry from seven Muslim-majority countries. That policy sparked widespread debate before being upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.

Trump’s successor, former President Joe Biden, overturned the ban in 2021.

As per reports, the US administration is currently reviewing security and screening measures in multiple countries, which could result in further travel restrictions.

An executive order issued on January 20 mandates stricter screening of individuals entering the US to identify potential security threats.

Trump directed cabinet members to compile a list of countries with inadequate security and screening procedures, recommending partial or complete travel bans where necessary.

A full travel ban on Afghanistan and Pakistan could be proposed. These new restrictions may also impact thousands of Afghans who had previously been cleared to resettle in the US. Many of these individuals had worked alongside the US military and were granted refugee or special visas to protect them from potential Taliban retaliation.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that there is no official information regarding US travel restrictions on Pakistanis and Afghans at this time.