Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Canadian citizens born in Afghanistan and Iran are facing U.S. entry bans due to stricter border policies under Trump’s administration.
According to the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, some Canadian citizens born in Iran and Afghanistan have faced denial of entry to the United States after undergoing intense questioning at the border. This development is linked to the stricter immigration policies introduced by the Trump administration.
Immigration lawyers and consultants have voiced concerns over these incidents, urging the Canadian government to issue a travel advisory. They warn that Canadian citizens may face not only entry bans but also the cancellation of visas, Nexus cards, and potential detentions or deportations when attempting to enter the U.S.
The increased scrutiny at the U.S. border comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, which enforces tighter examination of foreign nationals. Although official statistics on the number of Canadian citizens denied entry are not yet available, lawyers confirmed that the frequency of these incidents has risen since the executive order was signed.
According to the The New York Times and Reuters reported, cited their sources, that the Trump administration is considering expanding travel restrictions on citizens from several countries, including Iran. If this policy is implemented, citizens from specific countries could be entirely banned from entering the United States.
A proposed list prepared by U.S. diplomatic and security officials divides countries into three categories based on the severity of the travel restrictions. The “Red List” includes 11 countries, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Syria, whose citizens could face a complete ban from entering the U.S.
Countries on the “Orange List,” such as Belarus, Eritrea, and Russia, would face severe travel restrictions, though entry would not be fully prohibited. For citizens from these countries, obtaining visas or other permits might become more difficult, and a personal interview would likely be required.
The “Yellow List” consists of 22 countries, including Angola, Mali, and Zimbabwe. These nations will be given 60 days to address any deficiencies in their travel documentation and procedures. If the issues are not corrected, these countries may be moved to the “Red” or “Orange” categories.
Legal experts such as Melissa Bibel and Yamina Ansari have confirmed that even Canadian residents, whether temporary or permanent, are not immune to these restrictions. Both lawyers stress that Canadian travelers, particularly those with ties to the countries listed, should be aware of the potential consequences when attempting to enter the U.S.
The heightened border scrutiny between Canada and the U.S. is a significant development for travelers, particularly those with origins in specific countries like Iran and Afghanistan. Canadian citizens and residents may now face more challenges when crossing the U.S. border, making it crucial to stay informed about the latest restrictions and travel advisories.