Vermont Afghan Alliance Statement on Trump Travel Ban Targeting Afghan Nationals
Burlington, Vt – Executive Director Molly Gray of Vermont Afghan Alliance released the following statement tonight in response to President Trump’s Executive Order banning Afghan nationals from traveling to the United States:
“Citing ‘foreign policy, national security and counterterrorism objectives’ and concerns for a lack of ‘appropriate screening and vetting measures’ by the Taliban, starting ‘12:01am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025’ entry into the United States by nationals of Afghanistan is ‘fully suspended’ according to the order.
Exceptions to the travel ban include ‘lawful permanent residents’ (green card holders) , ‘Afghan special immigrant visas’ and ‘immediate family immigrant visas’.
The order suggests, although does not confirm, special immigrant visas will be processed for the wives and children of Afghan special immigrant visa holders here in the United States. The U.S. told thousands of soldiers who supported U.S. military and intelligence efforts to leave their wives and kids behind on the promise reunification would happen within a year. This August marks four years of separation.
