US President Donald Trump’s new travel ban could take effect as early as next week, blocking individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The potential restrictions, reminiscent of Trump’s controversial 2017 travel ban, are expected to affect thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement under US refugee programs and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). While the full list of affected countries remains undisclosed, sources indicate that additional nations could be included.
Trump’s first-term travel ban initially targeted seven majority-Muslim countries, including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. That policy faced intense legal battles and revisions before the Supreme Court upheld a modified version in 2018. However, President Joe Biden repealed it upon taking office in 2021, condemning it as “a stain on our national conscience.”
The latest move signals Trump’s renewed focus on immigration restrictions, a key issue in his presidential campaign. On January 20, he signed an executive order mandating stricter security screenings for foreigners seeking entry into the US, citing national security concerns. The order directed various federal agencies to submit a list of countries with inadequate vetting processes by March 12. Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to be on that list, Reuters reported.
The US Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security, along with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, have yet to issue any public statements regarding the anticipated ban.
If implemented, the travel restrictions could have dire consequences for tens of thousands of Afghans who were promised safe passage to the US due to their work with the American government during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. Many are at risk of Taliban retaliation and have been waiting for relocation under US refugee and visa programs.
One source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Afghans seeking entry through Special Immigrant Visas already undergo an exhaustive screening process, making them “more highly vetted than any population” worldwide. The US State Department’s Afghan resettlement office is reportedly advocating for an exemption for SIV holders, but this request is unlikely to be granted.
According to estimates, approximately 200,000 Afghans have been approved for US resettlement or are awaiting decisions on their applications. Since January 20, when Trump imposed a temporary freeze on refugee admissions and halted funding for resettlement flights, thousands have been stranded—either in Afghanistan or in transit countries like Pakistan.
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition assisting Afghan refugees, warned those with visas to travel to the US immediately if they can.
“While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the US government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week,” VanDiver said.
Pakistan, another likely target of the restrictions, is already struggling with its own security challenges. The country has faced rising militant violence in recent months, with attacks linked to Islamist groups. Trump has frequently criticized Pakistan’s handling of extremism, previously accusing the nation of harboring terrorists while accepting US aid.
If Pakistan is included in the ban, it could affect not only refugees but also Pakistani students, professionals, and family members of US citizens seeking visas. The country was not part of Trump’s original 2017 travel ban, but his latest immigration proposals suggest a broader crackdown on travelers from regions deemed national security risks.
In an October 2023 speech, Trump previewed plans to restrict travel from Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other countries he claims pose security threats.
Afghanistan remains under Taliban control following the US military’s withdrawal in August 2021. Since then, the country has faced severe economic collapse, humanitarian crises, and a persistent threat from the Islamic State’s regional branch, ISIS-K. Many Afghans who worked alongside US forces during the war have gone into hiding, fearing for their lives.
The Taliban, while in control of the government, continue to battle ISIS-K insurgents and have yet to gain international recognition. A travel ban on Afghan nationals would further isolate those seeking refuge and resettlement abroad, leaving them with dwindling options for safety.
The new ban aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which he has made a centerpiece of his political platform. His administration has already taken steps to tighten asylum rules, impose stricter border controls, and restrict migration from conflict-ridden regions.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to reinstate “extreme vetting” policies and impose stricter immigration measures, arguing that such steps are necessary for national security. Critics, however, argue that these policies unfairly target Muslim-majority nations and violate humanitarian commitments.
The anticipated travel restrictions have already sparked backlash from human rights groups and immigration advocates, who warn that they could jeopardize the lives of thousands of vulnerable people.
“This policy will leave thousands of Afghans who risked their lives for the US trapped in dangerous conditions,” said a representative from the International Refugee Assistance Project. “Many have already been waiting for years, and this ban would effectively shut the door on them.”
As the March 12 deadline approaches, US government agencies are expected to finalize their recommendations. If the travel ban is implemented, legal challenges are likely, similar to those seen in 2017. Advocacy groups and affected individuals may seek emergency court rulings to block or modify the policy.
For now, those in limbo—especially Afghans awaiting resettlement—are left scrambling for solutions. With no formal announcement from the White House yet, uncertainty looms over their fate.
Trump’s latest move underscores his commitment to hardline immigration policies, setting the stage for yet another heated debate over national security, refugee rights, and America’s role in global humanitarian efforts.
