US President Donald Trump is considering a plan to impose extensive travel ban on 41 countries. This proposed policy may have an impact, especially on India’s neighboring countries – Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar. The ban is part of an executive order issued on January 20, in which strict security checks were made compulsory for foreign nationals. Under this order, cabinet officers were directed to submit a list of countries by 21 March, where the journey should be partially or completely banned due to insufficient security checks and screening procedures.
US National Security and Possible Ban
According to a report by the Indian Express, this step can be taken to strengthen the US national security. However, the list has not yet been finalized and changes are possible. In order to implement this proposed policy, the approval of the administration will be necessary in addition to the consent of External Affairs Minister Marco Rubio.
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Banned Countries divided into three groups
The travel ban proposed by the Trump administration is divided into three groups:
First Group (10 countries) – Full restrictions
American visas for citizens of these countries can be completely discontinued:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Syria
- Cuba
- North korea
Second Group (5 countries) – Partial ban
Some visa categories are proposed to be banned for these countries, which may include tourists, students and immigrant visas. However, some exceptions are possible.
- Irritriya
- Hati
- Laos
- Myanmar
- South Sudan
Third Group (26 Countries) – Conditional Ban
Partial visa restrictions on these countries may apply, provided that their governments do not take necessary steps to remove security -related deficiencies within 60 days.
- Belarus
- Pakistan
- Turkmenistan
Impact on India’s neighboring countries
The most impact of this proposed ban could have the most impact on India’s neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to reports, Afghanistan may be put in full travel ban list, while Pakistan has also been recommended to add to the ban list.
- After the Taliban rule in Afghanistan, it will have a direct impact on refugee refugees and special immigrant visas (SIV) holders in the US.
- It may be difficult for students, working professionals and tourists coming from Pakistan to enter the US.
- The US State Department is trying to exempt these SIV holders from the ban, but the final decision will be in the hands of the Trump administration.
Trump’s previous policy equality
This proposed ban is similar to the “Muslim ban” implemented by the Trump administration in 2017. At that time, the travel ban was imposed on the citizens of seven main Muslim countries.
- The ban was approved by the US Supreme Court in 2018, but Joe Bidon canceled it at the beginning of its term in 2021.
- Now the Trump administration is once again planning to implement strict immigration rules, which is being considered part of their election strategy.
Concern of international students and migrant communities
The news of this proposed policy has increased concern among international students and migrant communities. Trump had said during his election campaign to implement “conceptual investigation” and prevent “dangerous fundamentalists” from entering the US.
- Many American universities have advised their international students to be vigilant.
- This may have a direct impact on students and workers coming from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Global reaction and potential results
If this policy is applied, it will be part of the wide immigration policy of the Trump administration.
- America’s relations with affected countries may deteriorate, which is likely to increase diplomatic tension.
- Businesses and technical fields may lack foreign talents, causing damage to American companies.
- Humanitarian crisis may deepen, as many people are expecting to go to America as a refugee.
