A new travel ban under President Donald Trump’s administration could restrict entry to the United States for people from Pakistan and Afghanistan as early as next week, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The decision follows a government review of security risks and vetting procedures in various countries. While officials have not released a final list, sources indicate that Afghanistan will likely face a complete travel ban, while Pakistan may also be included.
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The move would echo Trump’s previous ban on travelers from several Muslim-majority countries, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 but later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
If implemented, the ban could impact thousands of Afghans who had been approved for resettlement in the US under Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for assisting American forces during the war.
Advocacy groups warn that these individuals, already subjected to extensive security screenings, now face uncertainty. Efforts to exempt SIV holders are reportedly underway but may not be successful.
Trump’s directive, issued on January 20, ordered stricter security screenings and a review of countries deemed to have inadequate vetting systems. A final decision is expected soon, raising concerns for those awaiting relocation to the US.
