Pakistan on Potential Travel Ban List
In a significant move potentially reshaping US immigration policy, the Trump administration is contemplating extensive new travel restrictions impacting citizens of 41 countries, including Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and others. According to an internal memo cited by Reuters and initial reporting from The New York Times, the proposed restrictions categorize countries into three distinct groups based on perceived security risks.
🚨Update: Draft 3-tier Trump travel BAN to hit 43 countries! — NYT
NO ENTRY for 11 ‘red’ countries!
Visas for Russians, Belarusians and Pakistanis ‘sharply restricted!’
Many African nations on ‘yellow’ list! pic.twitter.com/pfap4YFbxV
— US Homeland Security News (@defense_civil25) March 15, 2025
The memo outlines stringent measures for each group, indicating a return to the controversial immigration policies characteristic of President Trump’s first term, during which similar bans targeting predominantly Muslim nations prompted widespread debate and legal challenges before receiving Supreme Court approval in 2018.
Three-Tiered Visa Restrictions Proposed
Under the current proposal, countries are segmented into three distinct categories. The first group comprises ten nations—including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea—that would face complete visa suspensions. Citizens from these nations would see their ability to obtain US visas entirely halted.
A second category includes five nations—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—that would experience partial visa suspensions primarily affecting tourism, student visas, and certain immigrant visas. This category would allow limited exceptions but significantly restrict overall entry.
The third and largest group involves 26 countries, notably Pakistan, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Nations within this group are identified as requiring immediate action to improve their internal security vetting processes. If improvements are not demonstrated within a 60-day timeframe, these countries would face partial suspensions of US visa issuance, creating significant diplomatic pressure.
Intensified Vetting Linked to National Security Concerns
This move aligns with an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, mandating intensified vetting and security screening for all foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States. Trump’s directive instructed several cabinet members to compile and submit a list of nations considered to possess deficient screening processes, thus posing potential national security threats.
In a speech delivered in October 2023, Trump previewed this expanded immigration strategy, specifically naming several countries and regions such as Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, emphasizing the administration’s resolve to prevent entry from areas perceived as security threats.
Administration Yet to Approve Final List
However, the finalization of this extensive travel ban list remains pending. Sources within the administration cautioned that the current list is subject to revisions and awaits approval from senior officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The potential restrictions underscore Trump’s intensified immigration stance in his second term, echoing his previous immigration policies that focused sharply on national security. Critics argue these measures may incite diplomatic tensions and negatively impact international relations with the affected nations.
State Department Response Awaited
As of now, the US State Department has not provided official comment on the proposed restrictions. Given the sensitive nature of the travel ban and its broad implications, both domestic and international responses are expected to be robust and diverse, reflecting polarized views on immigration and security.
This latest development signals a renewed push by President Trump to position immigration as a central pillar of his administration’s national security strategy, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations and immigration policy dynamics significantly in the near future.
Also see:
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