A recent shift in US immigration policy has left many Afghan refugees feeling hopeless and betrayed, fearing for their families still in danger.
**Afghan Refugees Express Disappointment Over US Immigration Policies Under Trump**
**Afghan Refugees Express Disappointment Over US Immigration Policies Under Trump**
Afghanistan's allies feel abandoned after new resettlement restrictions implemented by the former president.
Many Afghan refugees are reeling from the impact of President Donald Trump's recent orders suspending a resettlement program for Afghans, leaving them feeling abandoned and hopeless. Abdullah, a paratrooper in the US military who fled Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021, expressed a sense of betrayal, stating, "It's like the United States doesn't actually understand what I did for this country." After escaping, he anxiously worries for his sister and her husband, who couldn't flee in time and are still in Afghanistan. Trump's executive order cancels all flights and applications without exception for families of American servicemembers.
Abdullah's sentiments echo those of many Afghans who worked closely with US forces and now feel the country they assisted has turned its back on them. Amidst the order's ramifications, many of these refugees feel their sacrifices were in vain, leaving them to grapple with anxiety over loved ones who remain at risk under Taliban rule. Abdullah recalls a heartrending call with his sister who lost all hope of escaping, amplifying his fear of never seeing his family again.
Babak, a former legal adviser to the Afghan Air Force, remains in hiding, expressing disbelief over the new immigration stance, especially after risking his life collaborating with US military operations. He notes that not only has the United States broken its promises to him and others, but they have also worsened their living conditions. Meanwhile, Ahmad, another Afghan who worked for a US non-profit, remains in turmoil, separated from his family under threat from the Taliban due to their past affiliations.
Adding to the tension, refugees like Mina, who has been pregnant for six months, have faced extended waits for flights and fear of returning to Afghanistan, where they face severe risks. Reports indicate that many Afghans in Pakistan are at heightened risk of detainment and deportation, as the Pakistani government begins to expel foreign nationals, including Afghan refugees.
With growing frustrations, those affected continue to push for change, sharing their stories in hopes that the US government might reconsider its stance and open doors for those in peril. As Trump’s measures halt the once-anticipated safety net for Afghan allies, they find themselves caught between an unstable homeland and an unwelcoming host country. The emotional and physical toll of such changes is acute, as these families await uncertain futures.
Abdullah's sentiments echo those of many Afghans who worked closely with US forces and now feel the country they assisted has turned its back on them. Amidst the order's ramifications, many of these refugees feel their sacrifices were in vain, leaving them to grapple with anxiety over loved ones who remain at risk under Taliban rule. Abdullah recalls a heartrending call with his sister who lost all hope of escaping, amplifying his fear of never seeing his family again.
Babak, a former legal adviser to the Afghan Air Force, remains in hiding, expressing disbelief over the new immigration stance, especially after risking his life collaborating with US military operations. He notes that not only has the United States broken its promises to him and others, but they have also worsened their living conditions. Meanwhile, Ahmad, another Afghan who worked for a US non-profit, remains in turmoil, separated from his family under threat from the Taliban due to their past affiliations.
Adding to the tension, refugees like Mina, who has been pregnant for six months, have faced extended waits for flights and fear of returning to Afghanistan, where they face severe risks. Reports indicate that many Afghans in Pakistan are at heightened risk of detainment and deportation, as the Pakistani government begins to expel foreign nationals, including Afghan refugees.
With growing frustrations, those affected continue to push for change, sharing their stories in hopes that the US government might reconsider its stance and open doors for those in peril. As Trump’s measures halt the once-anticipated safety net for Afghan allies, they find themselves caught between an unstable homeland and an unwelcoming host country. The emotional and physical toll of such changes is acute, as these families await uncertain futures.
