The White House has announced that President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order adding Afghanistan to a list of 12 countries facing a total travel ban.
The administration cites deficiencies in security screening and information sharing as the reason for the restriction.
While the order severely limits entry for most Afghans, advocacy groups note that Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders—those who served with US forces—should theoretically remain exempt.
However, fears of delays and family separations are mounting.
The move is framed as a measure to protect US national security.
This development has sparked anxiety among the Afghan diaspora and allies who have been waiting years for resettlement or family reunification.
