In Afghanistan’s capital, many had not heard about the travel ban on Afghan nationals on Thursday morning.

But among travel agents who had, several pointed out that the ban would have little practical effect as Afghan passport holders had been facing problems in getting U.S. visas for years.

Ever since the Taliban took over the country in August 2021, only Afghans with foreign passports or Green Cards were able to travel to the United States with any ease.

Those applying for special visas due to their work with U.S. forces in Afghanistan in previous years were facing problems.

Outside the former U.S. Embassy in Kabul, a Taliban guard expressed his disappointment in Trump’s decision.

“America has no right to do this and implement this ban,” said Ilias Kakal. “America has to cancel it.”