HomeAsiaAfghanistanTrump’s Order Shatters Afghan Refugee Dreams

Trump’s Order Shatters Afghan Refugee Dreams

For those stranded in Pakistan, resources are dwindling, and hope is fading.

Image: © UNHCR/R.Ek

In a shocking move on the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump issued an executive order freezing the resettlement of Afghan refugees in the United States. This decision has left more than 40,000 Afghans, many of whom had already been approved for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), stranded in limbo. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers, veterans, and advocacy groups, while also exacerbating the plight of thousands of refugees waiting in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other countries.

Pakistan has long served as a refuge for millions of Afghans fleeing decades of conflict. As of early 2025, there are an estimated 3.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Of these, approximately 1.7 million are undocumented, making them particularly vulnerable to crackdowns by Pakistani authorities. Since August 2021, when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has repatriated more than 800,000 undocumented Afghans, undocumented Afghans, citing security and economic pressures. However, nearly 2 million documented and undocumented refugees remain in Pakistan, awaiting resettlement or alternative solutions.

The situation is dire for those awaiting relocation to the U.S. Many Afghan refugees in Pakistan have sold their belongings, left their homes, and endured harsh living conditions in the hope of starting a new life in America. With Trump’s decision to halt the resettlement process, these refugees now face an uncertain future.

The executive order has sparked outrage among opposition leaders and advocates in the United States. Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a veteran and vocal supporter of Afghan allies, took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Afghans who supported the U.S. and saved the lives of American troops are still in danger in Afghanistan. Freezing their resettlement is a betrayal of our commitments.”

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a long-time advocate for Afghan allies, also criticized the move. “If you’re associated with helping us, I want you to be liberated from the Taliban,” Graham stated in a press conference. He vowed to raise the issue with the Trump administration, emphasizing that America’s credibility is at stake.

Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, have condemned the suspension, describing it as a “moral failure.” Shawn VanDiver, head of AfghanEvac, pointed out that between 150,000 to 200,000 Afghans are in the resettlement pipeline. “These are people who risked their lives for U.S. forces. We owe them more than this,” VanDiver stated.

Adding to the crisis, Britain recently announced that it would not accept Afghan refugees rejected by the United States. British officials cited their own capacity challenges and concerns over security vetting as reasons for the decision. The refusal has left thousands of Afghans with nowhere to turn, intensifying their sense of abandonment.

The United Kingdom’s decision has also sparked backlash. British lawmakers and humanitarian organizations have urged the government to reconsider, arguing that vulnerable Afghans cannot be left to fend for themselves under Taliban rule. Critics accuse both the U.S. and the U.K. of shirking their responsibilities to those who supported their military and humanitarian efforts during the 20-year war.

For Afghan refugees still in Pakistan, the risks are mounting. In recent months, the Pakistani government has intensified its crackdown on undocumented Afghans, conducting mass arrests and issuing deportation notices. Refugees who are deported back to Afghanistan face grave dangers, including Taliban retribution, extrajudicial killings, and persecution for their ties to Western governments or organizations.

One such refugee is Zainab Rahimi, a former journalist who fled to Pakistan after receiving death threats from the Taliban. Zainab was approved for resettlement under the U.S. SIV program and had been scheduled to fly to the United States in February. Now, her future is uncertain. “I don’t know what will happen to me,” she says. “If I’m sent back to Afghanistan, I will be killed.”

Similarly, Ahmad Wali, a former interpreter for U.S. forces, has been living in a small apartment in Islamabad with his wife and three children. Ahmad sold his house in Kabul and used his savings to apply for resettlement. “We trusted America,” he says. “Now, we feel betrayed.”

The Trump administration has defended the suspension, citing concerns over security vetting and national security. In an interview with CBS, Vice President J.D. Vance argued that the vetting process needed to be improved to prevent potential risks. “This is not about turning our backs on allies. It’s about ensuring that every individual entering the U.S. has been thoroughly vetted,” Vance stated.

The U.S. refugee program is already one of the most rigorous in the world, involving medical screenings, security checks, and multiple interviews over 18 to 24 months. Critics of Trump’s decision argue that the existing process is sufficient and that further delays only put lives at risk.

The suspension of Afghan resettlement flights has immediate and far-reaching consequences. For those stranded in Pakistan, resources are dwindling, and hope is fading. Many refugees report struggling to access basic necessities, including food, shelter, and medical care.

For women and girls, the situation is particularly dire. Under Taliban rule, education and employment opportunities for women have been virtually eliminated. Those with ties to the U.S. or other Western entities face additional risks of violence and persecution.

The decision has also strained relations between the U.S. and its allies, many of whom view the move as a retreat from America’s moral and strategic commitments. The halt to resettlement flights undermines trust and raises questions about the reliability of U.S. promises.

Despite the suspension, advocacy groups and lawmakers are continuing to press for the resumption of resettlement programs. Congressman Jason Crow and other members of Congress have called for hearings to address the issue and explore ways to expedite the process.

Meanwhile, organizations like AfghanEvac are working tirelessly to support stranded refugees, providing them with legal assistance, financial aid, and advocacy. However, these efforts are no substitute for comprehensive government action.

For Zainab, Ahmad, and thousands of others, the wait continues—a wait filled with fear, uncertainty, and dwindling hope. As the international community grapples with its responsibilities, the lives of countless Afghan refugees hang in the balance.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.

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