By Bilal Ahmad.
Washington D.C. – The President of the United States has signed an executive order suspending entry to the U.S. for citizens from Afghanistan and 11 other countries.
The measure, deemed crucial for national security, had an immediate impact on travel from nations such as Iran, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The executive order justified the ban on Afghanistan due to the country being under the control of the Taliban, a group listed by the U.S. as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) Group.” Further justifications include the absence of a competent central authority for issuing passports and conducting background checks, elements considered fundamental for security screening. Consequently, the entry of Afghan citizens, both immigrants and non-immigrants, has been suspended.
Despite the strictness of the provision, Trump’s order included several exceptions:
- Special Visas: This includes holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghanistan (often former collaborators with U.S. armed forces) and special visas for U.S. government employees.
- Established Status: Exemptions apply to U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) and dual citizens traveling with a passport from a country not subject to the ban.
- Family and Humanitarian Ties: Exceptions are provided for immediate family members holding an immigrant visa and religious and ethnic minorities who have been granted an immigrant visa (asylum).
- Official and Sporting Missions: This includes those traveling to the U.S. with diplomatic visas to participate in the United Nations or as NATO members, and athletes, coaches, and accompanying staff of sports teams participating in international competitions such as the Olympic Games or the World Cup.
According to a White House statement, the restrictions were considered “necessary to encourage greater cooperation from foreign countries in effectively enforcing immigration laws and advancing key foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.”
The presidency reiterated that the measures were “tailored to the specific circumstances of each country” and aimed to incentivize cooperation.
Donald Trump had previously declared his intention to “restore the travel ban… to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country,” a measure later upheld by the Supreme Court. During his first presidential term, Trump had already implemented various bans and restrictions on travel from several countries, making it one of the most debated policies of his administration.
