A new travel ban under former President Donald Trump could soon take effect, potentially barring individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the United States. According to Reuters, citing three anonymous sources, the restrictions could be implemented as early as next week.
Potential Impact of the New Travel Ban
The move is reminiscent of Trump’s first-term travel restrictions on several majority-Muslim nations, which faced multiple legal challenges before being upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. In 2021, President Joe Biden repealed the ban, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
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The new policy could significantly impact tens of thousands of Afghans who were approved for resettlement in the U.S. under refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). Many of these individuals assisted the U.S. military during its 20-year war in Afghanistan and are now at risk of Taliban retaliation.
Trump’s Executive Order and National Security Concerns
On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order mandating stricter security screenings for foreign travelers to identify potential national security threats. Under this order, U.S. officials must submit a list by March 12 of countries where travel should be fully or partially suspended due to inadequate vetting procedures.
According to multiple sources, Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to be on this list. However, the U.S. State Department, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not yet issued a formal statement on the matter.
One source highlighted that Afghans approved for resettlement already undergo extensive security screenings, making them one of the most vetted populations in the world. There are ongoing efforts within the State Department to secure an exemption for SIV holders, but approval remains uncertain.
What This Means for Afghan Refugees and SIV Holders
Currently, approximately 200,000 Afghans have either been approved for resettlement in the U.S. or have pending applications for refugee status or SIVs. Many remain stranded in Afghanistan and nearly 90 other countries, including 20,000 Afghans currently in Pakistan.
This development follows Trump’s January 20 order, which froze refugee admissions and halted foreign aid that helps fund their travel. The office responsible for Afghan resettlement—the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts—was reportedly instructed to develop a closure plan by April.
Concerns Over Immigration Crackdown
The travel ban aligns with Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which he outlined in an October 2023 speech. He pledged to restrict entry from high-risk regions, including Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other areas deemed security threats.
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition assisting Afghan evacuations and resettlement, advised SIV holders and refugees to travel to the U.S. immediately. “While no official announcement has been made, multiple government sources suggest new travel restrictions could take effect within a week,” he warned.
Key Takeaways
- A new Trump travel ban may restrict entry for individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- The policy could impact 200,000+ Afghan refugees and SIV applicants.
- Trump’s January 20 executive order mandates tougher screening and travel suspensions for countries deemed high-risk.
- The State Department is reportedly seeking an exemption for SIV holders, though approval remains uncertain.
- Immigration advocates urge visa holders to travel to the U.S. as soon as possible before the restrictions take effect.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for affected individuals and immigration stakeholders to stay informed and prepared for potential changes. Keep following our coverage for updates on U.S. immigration policies.
