Risk of Deportation: Afghan Women Scholars Face Dire Consequences After USAID Cuts
Over 80 Afghan women studying in Oman face deportation after the cancellation of their U.S.-funded scholarships, part of the Trump administration’s foreign aid cuts. They have appealed for assistance, fearing persecution if returned to Afghanistan. The Women’s Scholarship Endowment, aimed at supporting their education, has been eliminated. Lawmakers are calling for the reinstatement of these crucial funds to protect the lives and dreams of these women.
A group of over 80 Afghan women, who escaped the Taliban to study in Oman, face imminent deportation following the cancellation of their U.S.-funded scholarships due to cuts by the Trump administration. On February 28, they received notification from the U.S. Agency for International Development, indicating the termination of their scholarship at the Middle East College of Oman along with various other foreign aid programs.
These students have appealed urgently to aid organizations for assistance to continue their education abroad, highlighting the severe risks, including persecution and life-threatening situations, they would encounter upon returning to Afghanistan. “The situation is catastrophic,” they stated in their letter, emphasizing that deportation would lead to enduring educational loss and exposure to oppression and insecurity.
The Women’s Scholarship Endowment, created in 2019 with a $50 million commitment from USAID, was among numerous initiatives eliminated in the effort to reduce aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that 83% of USAID programs were cancelled, merging the remaining into the State Department’s jurisdiction.
The students have expressed their despair, urging, “Please don’t let our dreams be shattered and the Taliban decide our fate.” This sentiment reflects their struggle to escape the oppressive regime, emphasizing that if they were forced to return, it would mean the end of their aspirations.
Although initially reported that the cuts impacted 83 women, updated counts indicate that over 120 Afghan students have been affected. Following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, severe restrictions on women’s rights and education have been reinstated.
Rep. Seth Moulton has condemned the cancellation of the scholarship program, labeling it “shameful,” and urged the administration to reconsider its decision. He remarked that the ramifications of these funding cuts jeopardize the lives of innocent individuals, specifically referring to the Afghan women who now face perilous outcomes due to their reliance on U.S. educational support.
The cancellation of scholarships for Afghan women studying in Oman has created a dire situation, threatening their safety and educational opportunities. The reduction of foreign aid by the Trump administration significantly impacts these women’s futures, as they could be forced to return to an abusive regime. Urgent action is needed to prevent their deportation and support their continued education abroad, as their lives hang in the balance. This incident underscores the broader implications of foreign aid cuts on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
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