Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan are part of a group of 41 nations that may soon encounter travel restrictions to the United States as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to combat illegal immigration, according to a draft document obtained by Reuters. Officials indicated that these new restrictions would be more extensive than those enacted during Trump's first term, which included a travel ban on individuals from seven predominantly Muslim countries. A draft list of recommendations from security officials categorizes Pakistan alongside 26 other nations that could experience a partial halt in US visa issuance if the government led by Shehbaz Sharif does not take action to rectify identified "deficiencies" within a 60-day timeframe. This group also includes Turkmenistan, Belarus, Bhutan, and Vanuatu, the latter of which recently attracted attention when fugitive and former IPL chairperson Lalit Modi claimed to have obtained citizenship there.
Earlier this week, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry described the reports of a travel ban as "speculative." Shafqat Ali Khan, the spokesperson for the Foreign Office, reiterated that Pakistan has not received any official communication regarding such restrictions. "Currently, these assertions are entirely speculative and do not warrant a response," Khan remarked.
Tensions between the United States and Pakistan have intensified following the recent denial of entry to Pakistani ambassador to Turkmenistan, KK Ahsan Wagan, who was deported from Los Angeles this week. While the US has not offered a detailed explanation, reports suggest that Wagan's deportation was linked to the US immigration system flagging "controversial visa references."
According to the draft, ten nations have been designated on a "red list," resulting in a complete suspension of visas for their citizens. These countries include Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Additionally, the proposed limitations on a second group of five nations—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—will affect tourist and student visas, as well as other immigrant visas, albeit with certain exceptions. On his first day in office, January 20, Trump enacted an executive order mandating thorough vetting of all foreigners seeking entry into the United States to identify potential security threats.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)