The Trump administration has started cancelling visas retroactively as part of a plan to reintroduce a controversial travel ban. The new restrictions target citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, with the ban expected to take effect soon.
US embassies have informed some visa holders, including those already in the country, that their visas are cancelled. These individuals must visit their nearest embassy for further interviews.
The cancellations appear linked to an upcoming executive order, which could impose a ban on travellers from certain countries as early as next week.
Trump’s executive order on security
The decision follows an executive order issued by Trump on 20 January. It introduces new security measures for visa applicants and mandates a review of individuals who entered the US since Biden became president. The review focuses on individuals from countries with what Trump calls insufficient security screening.
This move follows the travel ban introduced during Trump’s first term, which targeted countries like Libya, Iran, and Somalia.
Impact on Libyan nationals
Libyan students who recently received US study visas are among the most affected. Many were told their visas were cancelled and instructed to visit the US embassy in Tunisia for further interviews, as the US has no embassy in Libya.
These cancellations affect both those still outside the US and those already in the country. Libya is expected to be one of the countries included in the new travel restrictions.
Returning to strict vetting procedures
Trump’s order aims to restore the strict vetting procedures used during his first term. Authorities will review visa holders from countries with weak security protocols. The goal is to prevent individuals from entering the US if they pose a security threat or hold anti-American views.
Critics argue that these measures unfairly target Muslim-majority countries and individuals who have already passed security checks.
Afghan and Pakistani nationals affected
The new travel ban will categorise countries into three groups:
Red List: Countries already affected by the 2017 ban, plus Afghanistan and possibly Pakistan.
Orange List: Citizens from these countries will face stricter visa requirements. Business visas may still be granted, but tourist and immigration visas will be heavily restricted.
Yellow List: Countries in this category will have 60 days to improve security and information-sharing with the US. Failure to do so could lead to further restrictions.
Approximately 200,000 Afghan nationals, many of whom worked with US forces, face uncertainty. These individuals had received approval for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), but the new restrictions could disrupt their plans.
Criticism of the travel ban
Advocacy groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) have condemned the renewed travel ban. They argue that it targets individuals who have already undergone extensive security checks.
Trump had previously vowed to expand the travel ban and introduce ideological screening to block “extremists” from entering the US. Critics see this as an attempt to discriminate against Muslim-majority countries under the guise of national security.
