President Donald Trump plans to introduce a new travel ban that may restrict entry for Afghans and Pakistanis. The policy could take effect as early as next week, according to sources. The move follows a government review of security protocols and vetting measures.
This ban would resemble Trump’s previous travel restrictions, which targeted majority-Muslim countries. That policy faced legal challenges before the Supreme Court upheld it in 2018. The new ban could severely impact Afghans waiting for U.S. resettlement. Many worked with American forces and now face Taliban threats.
Trump’s recent executive order requires stricter vetting for all foreign nationals. It directs officials to submit a list of countries with security concerns by March 12. Sources expect Afghanistan and Pakistan to be on that list.
Advocacy groups worry the ban will endanger Afghans who have pending resettlement applications. The U.S. has already approved around 200,000 Afghans for relocation. About 20,000 of them remain stuck in Pakistan after Trump’s 90-day freeze on refugee admissions. The policy has blocked aid funding for their resettlement.
This ban is part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. In 2023, he pledged to limit entry from regions he considers security risks. His list included countries like Libya, Syria, and Yemen.
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, advises Afghan visa holders to travel as soon as possible. He says U.S. officials have warned that restrictions could take effect within a week. Advocacy groups and affected individuals now await official confirmation. Many hope for exemptions to protect those who assisted U.S. forces.
