Editorial

Trump immigration and Pakistanis

President Trump is expected to sign new orders to block immigration to the US for applicants from six countries

Editorial January 25, 2017

US President Donald Trump speaks during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, US. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Trump is expected to sign new orders to block immigration to the US for applicants from six countries. Luckily, Pakistan is not expected to be on that list but it must be borne in mind that the South Asian region and particularly our country is and has been home to terrorist elements and is thus under watch.

Pakistan, considering its proximity to war-ridden Iraq and Afghanistan, and Iran, may soon be included on Trump’s ban list. Currently, countries undergoing consideration for a ban include: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Blanket bans are unjust and inhumane; the majority of persons fleeing their home countries do so for war strife or better economic and education opportunities.

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Often when immigrants enter a new country, they have renewed hope, and prove themselves as hardworking; helping to build their new societies. While the requirement of safety for one’s citizens is justified, the Department of Homeland Security and Trump and his cabinet should have better sense prevail and think more along humanitarian lines. The angle of racism throughout the Trump campaign is detrimental to not only the US but operates as a divisive force throughout the world, fuelling anger and hatred.

At this point, the attitude towards Pakistan remains uncertain. If immigration continues to allow Pakistanis to enter, Pakistanis can still probably expect nerve-wracking interviews with immigration officers and longer wait times for special security screenings at US airports, more agonising than what they enjoyed before.

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Furthermore, in the face of all of this melodrama, even if they are accepted into the country, some will feel like ‘second-class’ citizens. The realigning of powers and the new dynamics between Pakistan, China, India, Russia and the US paints a blurry picture at this time. We will have a more ostensible image once defence and trade talks come into the arena. For now, Pakistanis must remain wary and form a plan ‘B’ as an alternative to relocating to the US.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2017.

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COMMENTS (19)

Ashiq | 7 years ago | Reply @Waseem Mansha: "...a lot of locals don’t really like Indians and most of them consider us Indian too. :) " Love your sense of humor brother. But on a more serious note, we should distance ourselves from Indians and wear Arab dress and speak arabic. Indians are shameless, they say openly they are from India.

Waseem Mansha | 7 years ago | Reply @Humza: Well more and more Pakistanis are going abroad these days. We have a huge population of Pakistanis who are living in EU but they aren't skilled immigrants hence not very useful for those economies. Australia and US are two exceptions as they only allow students and skilled workers to come which is good. Over here in Australia, a lot of locals don't really like Indians and most of them consider us Indian too. :)

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Humza | 7 years ago | Reply @Waseem Mansha: Skilled immigrants and workers from Pakistan have been going to Western countries for over 6 decades so I don't think anything will change. Pakistan is not included in the list of Muslim nations whose nationals are subject to Trump's ban like Iran and others. Most Pakistanis abroad make a point of letting people know their heritage as being Pakistani. If someone were to confuse them with being a neighboring national, be it Indian, Iranian, Afghan or other, most Pakistanis would quickly correct the locals. Pakistanis , especially the professionals abroad have integrated themselves well and are generally well respected in the US. In a survey not long ago, Pakistani Americans were found to be among the most charitable of citizens in terms of giving. Trump has said very positive things about Pakistanis when he last spoke to the Prime Minister.

Rex Minor | 7 years ago | Reply @Ch. Allah Daad: Fulflling promises? He has not fulfilled any promise to the 25 percent Americans who voted for him because of frustration with Obama administration, not yet at least. By simply issuing executive orders is not job done. A sham of a democracy, America is now struggling with, less than half the electorates participating in Elections. What he has achieved in one week is to break up the past 20 years cooperation with its neighbour Mexico on economy and securiy. Rex Minor

Ch. Allah Daad | 7 years ago | Reply Trump is the only President in entire history of mankind who is fulfilling promises he uttered in his campaign and that too in a very short period of time.

Waseem Mansha | 7 years ago | Reply Pakistan provide skilled immigrants to US and other developed countries. Being a Pakistani immigrant in Australia, I see more and more skilled Pakistanis moving over to US and Australia in last 5,6 years. I doubt Trump will ever ban us but I hope US does some more vetting of Muslims before allowing them in including Pakistanis. Over here in Australia, most locals can't distinguish between Pakistanis and Indians hence we live and work without any problems. If US bans Pakistan, which won't happen, Pakistani skilled workers can come to Australia instead of US.

dubious | 7 years ago | Reply @Prada: China is offering Green Cards. Pakistanis should line up.. . While Pakistanis proclaim their love for China very few have ever visited and the only common language is English. The harsh reality is that China doesn't like Muslims and they certainly haven't made it easy for Pakistanis to visit - when I viewed the requirements it reminded me of how Iran treats American's who want to visit - pretty harsh rules.

Sad but true | 7 years ago | Reply Plan B: China!

SNKN | 7 years ago | Reply Let Donald and Mickey live in walled Disneyland.... Mowgli will also not be accepted...mark my words

Ali S | 7 years ago | Reply @Adil: What kind of a delusional world do you live in? How many white Americans do you find in Pakistan or lining up outside Pakistani embassies worldwide? On the other hand, even the most hardline Pakistani will sell his soul in a heartbeat for an American green card or work visa. The bitter truth is that Pakistan is in no position whatsoever to dictate tit-for-tat terms to anyone without incurring a loss upon itself.

Prada | 7 years ago | Reply China is offering Green Cards. Pakistanis should line up.

Tera | 7 years ago | Reply Maybe President Trump forgot about including Pakistan. Will have to remind him to do so.

007 | 7 years ago | Reply Why are Pakistanis so desperate ? Their country, their rules.

Troubled | 7 years ago | Reply @Adil: Your logic defies logic.

Singh | 7 years ago | Reply @Adil: You r right to some extent.

VINEETH | 7 years ago | Reply Pakistanis can learn Mandarin and try moving to China - except that China does not accept immigrants to its closed society.

Adil | 7 years ago | Reply It would be a blessing in disguise. Pakistan should also cancel visas for White American (who are mostly spies as evident from Raymond Davis case) and restrict their help in Afghanistan. Trump would only understand tit for tat language. We don't want further mess by following his administration policies in the region.

vinsin | 7 years ago | Reply What about TNT? So ban from Arab countries is justified but not from non-Muslims countries? As always Muslims want minorities to sacrifice for them.

Toti calling | 7 years ago | Reply With terrorism on the increase and Muslims considered as the least flexible and not willing to accept secular and democratic way of life, it is not surprising that Trump has taken extreme views about Muslim immigration. Make no mistake. The fact that people have elected a man who talks openly about immigration means that most of people agree with him. In my opinion anybody wanting to move to other countries should be asked if they believe in secular way of living and laws. AS it is only secular countries are taking people without asking about the religious associations. We should appreciate that aspect and not misuse it to spread our way of life.

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