Washington/Islamabad, March 19: The U.S. State Department has dismissed reports suggesting that the government is preparing “travel ban lists” to impose new visa restrictions on various countries.
At a recent press briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified that there is no such list being prepared.
She emphasized that what had been reported was part of an ongoing security review of visa policies, a process started under the Trump administration’s executive order from January 20.
Bruce acknowledged that a broader review of visa policies is underway to enhance U.S. security but denied that Afghanistan was on any list of nations facing a full suspension of visa issuance.
No Pakistan and Afghanistan Travel Ban
She clarified that the reports suggesting travel bans on Afghanistan and Pakistan were inaccurate.
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These reports had indicated that both countries might be included in a list of 43 nations considered security risks, drawing parallels to the previous travel bans imposed by President Trump.
This uncertainty surrounding U.S. visa policies has sparked concern among Afghans waiting for resettlement, particularly those stranded in Pakistan, Qatar, and other countries.
Afghans to Be Settled
Many Afghans, including those with approved cases, were already affected by Trump’s executive order suspending refugee programs for at least three months.
Also Read: US Considers Travel Ban on Pakistanis Amid Security Concerns
Advocacy groups fear that shifts in policy could further delay or halt resettlement efforts, especially as Afghan refugees in Pakistan face the looming threat of deportation following Islamabad’s March 31 deadline for their return.
Furthermore, an agreement with Albania, which has temporarily housed Afghans, is set to expire in March.
Earlier Reports of US Travel Ban
Earlier, reports have suggested that the U.S. government, under the Trump administration, considered imposing a travel ban on Pakistan as part of a broader review of visa policies.
This move, similar to previous travel restrictions, was speculated to target nations deemed security risks.
However, the U.S. State Department dismissed these reports, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarifying that no such “travel ban list” existed.
The review is part of ongoing efforts to assess visa policies and enhance national security. Despite concerns, especially among Afghan refugees, the U.S. remains committed to resettling those who assisted the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.
