Trump's New Travel Ban Affects Pakistan, Muslim Countries
The travel ban is expected to have far-reaching consequences for immigrants and refugees from the affected countries, with many facing uncertainty and potential separation from their families. The CAIR advisory serves as a precautionary measure, urging individuals to take necessary steps to protect their rights and interests in the face of potential travel restrictions.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has issued a travel advisory warning lawful permanent residents, students, workers, and other immigrants from Pakistan and other potential Muslim-majority countries to avoid international travel for the next 30 days due to the risk of a new Muslim travel ban. The warning comes after President Trump's administration announced a deadline for federal agencies to submit a report identifying countries with "deficient" visa vetting practices, which could lead to a renewed travel ban.
The countries at risk include Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Palestine/Gaza, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. CAIR advises immigrants from these countries to consult an immigration attorney, avoid international travel unless necessary, keep copies of important documents, and stay informed about their rights. The organization also warns that the Trump administration may attempt to target lawful permanent residents in the new ban, which was blocked by courts in 2017.
US President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly planning to impose a new travel ban on individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, which could be implemented as early as next week. The ban, based on a government review of countries' security and vetting risks, would affect tens of thousands of Afghans who have been cleared for resettlement in the US as refugees or on Special Immigrant Visas. Pakistan would also be included in the list of countries for a complete travel ban.
The move is part of Trump's immigration crackdown, which he launched at the start of his second term. A coalition of groups that coordinates evacuation and resettlement of Afghans with the US government has urged those holding valid US visas to travel to the US as soon as possible if they can. The ban could significantly impact Afghan visa holders who have been awaiting relocation to the US, with some having been approved for US resettlement or having pending US refugee and Special Immigrant Visa applications.
