In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has outlined a draft proposal to tighten U.S. entry protocols for citizens of multiple nations, placing Pakistan on a highly restricted “orange” tier, according to a document reviewed by The New York Times.
This tiered framework imposes stringent visa limitations on Pakistan, permitting only wealthy business travelers to enter while prohibiting immigrant and tourist visas outright. Pakistani applicants will also face compulsory in-person interviews to secure approval for travel to the United States.
The proposal aligns with a broader travel restriction strategy, sorting countries into three distinct categories: red, orange, and yellow. Nations on the “red” list confront a total entry ban, encompassing:
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
The “orange” list, subject to severe visa curbs, includes:
- Belarus
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Turkmenistan
Meanwhile, the “yellow” list grants a 60-day window for countries to resolve U.S. security concerns, featuring:
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gambia
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- São Tomé and Príncipe
This proposed overhaul signals a tightened stance on immigration and national security, with Pakistan emerging as a focal point in the orange-tier restrictions.
