The Himalayan country of Bhutan, known for its focus on 'Gross National Happiness' instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is included in the 'red' list of US President Donald Trump's upcoming travel ban on 43 countries. The citizens of the country, clubbed with Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Venezuela and Syria, won't be allowed to travel to the US.
Pakistan is on the 'orange' list of restricted countries alongside Russia, Myanmar and Laos, while many African countries like Zimbabwe, Gambia and Liberia are listed on the yellow list. As per reports, over 10 years till 2022, over 200 Bhutanese people were booked for living illegally in the US. There was also a 37% rise in visa violations from Bhutanese people in the past year. 

Can Bhutan nationals travel to the US?
If the list gets implemented, Bhutanese people who wish to work, visit, or study in the US will have to face significant hardships. The worst hit would be those seeking career opportunities and university applications. Meanwhile, those already living in the US on temporary visas will have to face additional checks, renewals, and processes. Interestingly, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk himself was a student in the US. 

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