Afghans, particularly those who aided the US military and fear the Taliban, are facing despair and uncertainty due to President Trump's new travel ban, which includes Afghanistan. Many had hoped for US resettlement but now find their paths blocked, despite previous US promises and ongoing dangers in Afghanistan.
'We were friends of the US': Fearful Afghans face Trump travel ban
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Afghans, particularly those who aided the US military and fear the Taliban, are facing despair and uncertainty due to President Trump's new travel ban, which includes Afghanistan. Many had hoped for US resettlement but now find their paths blocked, despite previous US promises and ongoing dangers in Afghanistan.
Trending- 1 2021: Taliban seized power in Afghanistan; US forces withdrew.
- 2 January: US refugee resettlement process for Afghans was paused.
- 3 2023: UN report found credible reports of hundreds of former government officials and armed forces members killed since Taliban returned.
- 4 Earlier this year: Mohammad Suhail Shaheen spoke to the BBC.
- 5 Thursday: Ahmad woke to the news that US President Donald Trump had issued a new order banning entry of Afghan passport holders.
- 6 Monday: Trump's sweeping travel ban came into force.
- 7 Recent months: Pakistan has been expelling tens of thousands of Afghans.
- Loss of hope for resettlement for many Afghans
- Continued fear of the Taliban
- Inability to access jobs, medical care, or education for some
- Precarious travel situations for Afghan students/residents abroad
- Perceived broken promise by the US to its allies
What: President Donald Trump's new travel ban includes Afghanistan, blocking entry for Afghan passport holders, causing despair and uncertainty for Afghans seeking resettlement or temporary travel to the US, especially those fearing the Taliban.
When: 2021 (Taliban seized power, US forces withdrew), Thursday (Ahmad woke to news of ban), Monday (ban came into force), January (resettlement process paused), 2023 (UN report on killings), 'earlier this year' (Taliban ambassador spoke to BBC).
Where: Afghanistan, United States, Pakistan, Qatar, Germany, Houston (Texas), New York state.
Why: The ban cites national security threats, the Taliban being a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, lack of competent central authority for issuing documents, and high visa overstay rates. For Afghans, it means continued fear of the Taliban and loss of hope for a safer life.
How: President Trump issued a new order banning entry. The US government dropped temporary protected status for some Afghans. Afghans are hiding, seeking resettlement, or trying to maintain residency elsewhere.