Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Deportation Amid U.S. Refugee Program Suspension
Afghans in Pakistan, particularly those awaiting resettlement to the U.S., face deportation risks due to an executive order from President Trump suspending the refugee program. Hundreds of thousands may be forced back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan despite previous safe harbor in Pakistan. The mental health toll on these individuals is significant, with many experiencing depression and trauma from threats of arrest and deportation.
In Islamabad, Pakistan, the situation for 36-year-old Shirzad and his family has become increasingly precarious as they awaited resettlement to the United States. Scheduled to depart on February 3, they faced uncertainty after President Trump issued an executive order suspending America’s refugee program. Many Afghans, including those like Shirzad, who had anticipated a new life, are now at risk of being expelled from Pakistan and forcibly returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
The Pakistani government is ramping up its deportation efforts, affecting hundreds of thousands of Afghans lacking valid visas. The discomfort grows for families like Shirzad’s, as they struggle financially amidst rising visa extension costs. Returning to Afghanistan is not an option, according to Shirzad, who poignantly states, “It’s like inviting death into your home.” The mental strain of this situation has also led many Afghans to experience depression and suicidal ideation.
Aman, a former Afghan security forces member, expresses his fear of being arrested and shipped back to Afghanistan. He reveals the trauma his young daughter experiences when encountering police. The Pakistani government began deportations in late 2023 targeting individuals without strong affiliations against the Taliban, leading to the expulsion of over 800,000 Afghans, some born in Pakistan.
Amid rising public pressure regarding job competition and housing, the focus of deportation has shifted to about 1.5 million Afghans who fled after the Soviet invasion. However, the estimated 20,000 Afghans whose resettlement was underway before the executive order remain uncertain about their fate. While some Afghans have attained Special Immigrant Visas recently, there are fears of additional travel bans emerging. “No decisions regarding possible travel bans have been made,” stated the White House press office.
The looming deportation campaign in Pakistan has left many Afghans in distress as they confront potential repatriation to a regime that threatens their lives. Despite the international community’s obligations to these individuals, the situation remains dire, with many Afghans fearing for their safety and mourning broken promises of resettlement. As Pakistan grapples with public pressure, those who have helped the U.S. face an uncertain future amidst rising tensions and fears of the Taliban’s retribution.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
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