The Trump administration is stirring controversy once again with a proposed travel ban targeting citizens from 41 countries, including Pakistan. This potential restriction, reported by insiders, emerges as part of an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025. The order directs enhanced vetting procedures for foreign nationals, with the intent of strengthening security measures.
According to the draft being circulated by the State Department, countries are grouped into three categories: red, orange, and yellow. The distinctions relate to the level of restriction each should anticipate in terms of U.S. entry. The most severely impacted, the red list, comprises 11 nations facing a complete visa suspension. Notably, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen could be fully barred from U.S. entry unless specific exemptions apply to current visa holders.
The orange list presents a slightly less stringent approach, with 10 countries, including Pakistan, potentially facing limitations on tourist and student visas. This group would require in-person interviews for those wishing to apply for non-immigrant visas. Besides Pakistan, countries such as Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan are included in this category.
A less restrictive yellow list includes 22 countries. Nations like Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, and Zimbabwe must address specific vetting deficiencies within 60 days or face more challenging entry requirements. This list suggests a grace period for these countries before harsher measures are considered.
A draft memo obtained by Reuters reveals that the proposal is not yet finalized and requires approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This move by the Trump administration revives the divisive travel bans from his initial presidency phase, which primarily targeted Muslim-majority regions and survived Supreme Court review. President Biden repealed these bans in 2021, criticizing them as damaging to the national conscience.
Though the new restrictions focus on perceived security screening shortcomings, they are likely to encounter legal pushbacks and might strain diplomatic relations with affected countries. Unwilling to disclose specifics of the plan, Trump dismissed talks of the draft details, labeling it politically unwise to reveal information too early.
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