Afghan Refugees Decry Trump Order That Halts U.S. Resettlement Efforts

A recent executive order has halted the resettlement of Afghan refugees, igniting feelings of betrayal and hopelessness among individuals who aided U.S. forces and now face immense peril.

Abdullah is one of many Afghan refugees who feel betrayed after President Trump's executive order stifling the resettlement of Afghan nationals, a decision he believes disregards years of loyalty and sacrifice. The young paratrooper fled Afghanistan with his parents amidst the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in August 2021, now fearing for the safety of his sister and her husband, who remain in the Taliban-controlled region. Trump's order, which ceases all flights and applications for Afghan refugees, has left Abdullah and others like him feeling abandoned. “It’s like the United States doesn’t actually understand what I did for this country, it’s a betrayal,” he lamented.

The executive order has drawn widespread criticism, with many refugees claiming it unjustly punishes those who collaborated with American forces. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the Taliban, suggested that former aides to international forces could live without fear, though a recent U.N. report contradicts these assurances, highlighting the threats still faced by former members of the Afghan government.

Compounding the issue, Abdullah’s sister and brother-in-law had fulfilled all necessary requirements for resettlement when the order was enacted. As uncertainty looms, he reflects on the potential consequences, expressing profound concern for his family’s wellbeing: “The anxiety, it’s just unimaginable. She thinks we’ll never be able to see each other again.”

In a similar situation is Babak, a former legal adviser to the Afghan Air Force, currently remaining in hiding. He has faced relentless danger since the U.S. withdrawal, moving his family to different locations to evade capture by the Taliban. Despite holding documents verifying his contributions to U.S. military efforts, he feels the government's decision to shut down resettlement programs is a direct threat to his and his family's lives: “They’re not just breaking their promise to us – they’re breaking us," he said, appealing directly to Trump and his national security adviser.

Ahmad, another Afghan ally, managed to escape to the U.S. but left his family behind in peril. His father, a former colonel with the Afghan army, is now also at risk due to their past connections. Ahmad struggles with guilt over his family's predicament, as he has been made aware of their harassment by the Taliban. "If I and my father had not worked with the U.S., they would not be targets," he reflects through tears.

Meanwhile, many Afghan women face unique threats. Mina, who has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, is currently awaiting a flight to safety while experiencing distressing circumstances due to her activism. With a baby on the way, she described her current situation as dire and uncertain. “If I lose the baby, I’ll kill myself,” she admitted.

As Pakistan, the host country for millions of Afghan refugees, increases deportations, those left stranded fear the worst. Amid growing xenophobia and hostilities, many Afghans are caught in a quagmire of despair, awaiting what they once hoped would be a safe relocation to the U.S.

Countless families hold onto a flicker of hope, despite the overwhelming sense of vulnerability and betrayal. Despite their past sacrifices, the uncertainty surrounding their future has only intensified, leaving them with the harsh reality that safety in the U.S. may forever remain out of reach.