The complete timeline of the new Trump travel ban

Eight years after Trump’s 2017 travel ban and its subsequent iterations barred many from the United States, in turn separating families, stranding refugees, and stopping students from continuing their education, the world seems to be on the precipice of another. However, despite leaked memos and media reports claiming that 43 countries would soon face restrictions, the US state department has stated that no such list exists.

Below is a complete timeline of every update to the possible new travel ban.

January 20 (executive order)

On January 20, Trump issued an executive order that created the foundation for another possible travel ban. The order required “enhanced vetting and screening across agencies”. Thus, the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence were directed to review vetting procedures, as well as to submit a list of countries which would be subjected to either partial or full travel restrictions by March 12.

March 6 (Pakistan’s reported inclusion)

Media reports, such as this article published by Reuters, cited three anonymous sources that claimed the aforementioned review resulted in a list of countries which included Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Also read: New Trump travel ban: legalising discrimination all over again

March 14 (leaked memo)

A leaked memo was cited that claimed 41 countries facing travel restrictions would be divided into three separate groups. The most stringent restrictions were placed on the ten countries within the red category. Citizens of these countries would face full visa suspension. The second group, the orange category, included five more countries that would face partial suspensions, specific to tourist, student, and other immigrant visas. The final yellow group, which included 26 countries, faced partial suspension of issue issuance if the countries’ governments did not address “deficiencies” within 60 days. Pakistan was stated to be in this final group.

However, shortly after the initial report, the New York Times published a full list of 43 countries, and the categories they were divided into. While the categories and the restrictions attributed to each remained the same, the countries themselves differed. Most notably, Pakistan was stated to be in the orange category, which was now said to include a total of 10 countries that would face restrictions to immigrant and tourist visas. The yellow group was also reported to include 22 countries rather than 26, and the red group included 11, one more than the initial report.

Full list of countries and their corresponding travel restrictions:

March 19 (US State Department)

Following the leaked memos, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce refuted the circulating list. While stating that the Trump administration was conducting a review of visa policies as outlined in the January 20th executive order, Bruce stated that “there is no list.”

“What people are looking at over these last several days is not a list that exists here that is being acted on.”

– Tammy Bruce, US State Department spokesperson

Also read: What could a new Trump travel ban mean for students?

March 20 (Pakistan Foreign Ministry)

Pakistan’s foreign office confirmed on March 20 that a meeting was held to discuss consular issues with the US. It marked the second meeting, with the first being held on March 11. Sources indicated that the meeting’s focus was granting visas to Pakistani citizens.

At the weekly press briefing following the meeting, a reported inquired as to whether visa issues for Pakistani nationals were discussed and if there were any American concerns.

In response, the spokesperson stated that “as far as the news relating to inclusion of Pakistan in any travel ban is concerned, as explained earlier the US authorities have termed the media reports as speculations. Officially, nothing has been conveyed to us so far.

The Unknown

Much is still unknown regarding the possible new travel ban. While the US State Department has refuted the circulating leaked list of countries, it is still possible that travel restrictions made in accordance with the January 20th executive order will be enacted.

With the possibilities of restrictions still lingering, Pakistanis are left unsure about whether to leave or travel to the US, as they risk possibly being separated from their families. Pakistani’s with student visas similarly wait with bated breath to find out whether they will be able to continue their education.

Also read: Trump travel ban: Pakistan possibly on Orange list