Trump’s visa policy not Pakistan-specific, clarifies US diplomat
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The Trump administration’s visa review policy was not aimed at Pakistan, rather it’s a global measure, a senior US diplomat has clarified amid concerns over potential travel restrictions, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.
Margaret MacLeod, a US State Department official based in London, stated that President Donald Trump has ordered a comprehensive review of visa policies across all countries, emphasizing that the policy is meant to protect US national security and is not aimed at Pakistan alone.
“Several unverified reports have surfaced, but the fact is that only a review is taking place,” she said and added “President Trump signed a Presidential Order for the US foreign office to review all visa categories.”
She also highlighted Trump’s acknowledgment of Pakistan in his State of the Union address, particularly after a wanted man was extradited to the US.
The memo under review categorizes 41 countries into three groups:
Full visa suspension for countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea.
Partial suspension affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas for five countries.
Conditional review for 26 countries, including Pakistan, Belarus, and Turkmenistan, with a 60-day compliance window.
MacLeod advised visa applicants to follow US laws, warning against misrepresentation or illegal entry attempts.
US Homeland Security has also stressed that the rule of law comes first, offering opportunities only to those who comply with regulations.