Pakistan on ‘Orange List’ as Trump Issues Travel Bans to 43 Countries

In a step that could have a major bearing on Pakistan, the Trump administration is weighing broad new travel bans on citizens of 43 nations, including Pakistan. Under a draft list created by the US State Department, nations have been placed on red, orange, and yellow lists depending on the level of restrictions. Pakistan is on the orange list, which includes strict visa restrictions and in-person interviews for applicants.

The planned measures, as quoted by The New York Times, seek to widen the controversial travel bans in place since Trump’s first term. In the new framework, the citizens of red list nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela would be entirely prohibited from entering the US.

Orange list countries such as Pakistan, Russia, and Myanmar, meanwhile, are subject to increased scrutiny, with tourist and immigrant visas set to be significantly curtailed. Business travellers will still be permitted entry, but the process will be much more stringent.

Travel Bans Mostly Include Muslim Countries

For Pakistan, this is a major escalation of US immigration policy. The nation has historically struggled to obtain visas for its citizens, and these new restrictions have the potential to further test diplomatic relations. The US has cited security vetting and screening procedures as the main reason for the proposed measures.

The yellow list, containing 22 nations, was allowed 60 days to correct US grievances or face reclassification to more strict categories. These nations include Angola, Cameroon, and Mali, which have to prove more secure procedures to escape stricter punishment.

The Trump administration’s action is part of a wider effort to crack down on immigration, with officials prioritizing keeping those who “threaten national security” out of the US. Critics say this policy disproportionately impacts Muslim-majority countries and detracts from America’s image as a welcoming land for immigrants.

As the State Department makes the list official next week, the prospects for Pakistan and other impacted nations are still unclear. In the meantime, Pakistani citizens who wish to travel to the US need to prepare themselves for more stringent visa procedures and possible delays.

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