US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a new travel ban that could restrict entry to the United States for several Muslim-majority nations.
According to Reuters, Trump’s review of security and vetting risks for foreign countries is nearly complete, with a new ban expected soon. The report cites three sources familiar with the matter.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are likely to be included, along with several of the seven nations that appeared in Trump’s first travel ban in early 2017.
Former President Joe Biden repealed Trump’s initial ban in 2021, but concerns over potential terrorist threats from the Middle East have prompted Trump to take action again.
On the campaign trail, Trump stated that he would expand the ban to include individuals from Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel.
The president is expected to announce several new executive orders later today as he pushes forward with his first 100 days in office.
The new ban could impact tens of thousands of Afghans who have been cleared for resettlement in the U.S. under refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas, given their risk of Taliban retribution for assisting the U.S. during the 20-year war.
Afghanistan is set to be included in the list of countries recommended for a full travel ban, according to three sources, as well as another source who wished to remain anonymous.
The sources also confirmed that Pakistan is likely to be recommended for inclusion.
