Lawmakers oppose Trump's proposed travel ban, citing risks

More than 30 U.S. lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump to drop plans for a new travel ban. They argue that it could hurt the economy, damage relations with other countries, and won't improve national security. The deadline for finalizing any travel restrictions was set for Thursday, but the administration has not confirmed a ban yet. Lawmakers, led by Democrats Yasmin Ansari from Arizona and Brad Schneider from Illinois, expressed serious concerns in a letter. They warned that restrictions could cover citizens from up to 43 countries, including Pakistan. They believe such a ban would create more problems than it would solve, discussing the need for smart, bipartisan reforms instead. Reports suggest the Trump administration is sorting countries into categories based on security risks. However, the State Department has denied creating any such list. Recent drafts indicate that Pakistan might be in a middle category, requiring citizens to have in-person interviews for visa approvals. The letter emphasizes that international travel, trade, and tourism are essential to the U.S. economy. A broad travel ban could disrupt supply chains and foreign investment while also straining important diplomatic relationships. The lawmakers contested the national security reasoning behind the ban, calling it both ineffective and discriminatory. Mr. Schneider described the move as a "troubling step backwards," warning it could alienate U.S. allies and create broader resentment worldwide. They also highlighted the personal impact of restrictions on families, as past bans separated many Americans from loved ones living abroad.