President Donald Trump is poised to implement a new travel ban that may restrict entry into the United States for individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan, potentially taking effect as early as next week. This development arises from a government assessment of security and vetting procedures associated with these nations.
This prospective ban echoes the president’s initial term, during which travel restrictions were imposed on several majority-Muslim countries. The forthcoming policy could significantly impact tens of thousands of Afghans who have been approved for U.S. resettlement through refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), many of whom face threats from the Taliban due to their collaboration with U.S. forces during the two-decade conflict.
The executive order mandates intensified security vetting for foreign nationals seeking U.S. admission, aiming to identify potential national security threats. It also instructs relevant cabinet members to recommend countries for travel suspension if their screening processes are deemed inadequate. Sources indicate that Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the nations likely to be included in this list. ​
Advocates express concern over the potential ban’s impact on Afghan allies awaiting resettlement. Many have already undergone extensive vetting, and further delays or denials could leave them vulnerable to retribution. Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac—a coalition assisting Afghan evacuees—urges those with valid U.S. visas to travel promptly, citing indications of impending travel restrictions. ​
The proposed ban is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated at the start of Trump’s second term. In an October 2023 speech, the president pledged to restrict entry from regions perceived as security threats, including the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and others. ​
Approximately 200,000 Afghans have been approved for U.S. resettlement or have pending applications. Many are stranded in Afghanistan and nearly 90 other countries—about 20,000 in Pakistan—following a previous freeze on refugee admissions and foreign aid. ​
The situation remains fluid, and affected individuals are advised to stay informed about policy changes and seek guidance from official channels regarding their resettlement status.
