The US State Department has rejected reports claiming that the government is preparing a travel ban list to impose new visa restrictions on several countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified in a news briefing that there is no such list and that ongoing discussions about visa policies should not be misinterpreted as official decisions.
She acknowledged that the Trump administration is conducting a broader security review of visa policies under an executive order issued on January 20.
Reports from major news outlets, had suggested that Afghanistan could face a full visa suspension while Pakistan and other nations might see new restrictions. However, Bruce dismissed these claims, stating, “There is no list that exists here that is being acted on.”
The uncertainty around US visa policies has raised concerns, particularly among Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement. Many fear that changes in policy could further delay or block their relocation efforts.
Despite the ongoing review, Bruce reiterated the US government’s commitment to resettling Afghans who supported its mission during the two decades of war in Afghanistan.
