Afghan Refugees Feel 'Betrayed' by Trump's Recent Order Blocking US Resettlement

Afghan refugees who aided the US during the war are facing desperate situations as President Trump's recent immigration directives suspend resettlement for many individuals, even those with family connections to the military.

Many Afghan refugees describe a sense of betrayal and hopelessness following a recent executive order from former President Donald Trump that blocks resettlement opportunities in the United States. Abdullah, who fled Afghanistan with his parents in August 2021 and now serves as a paratrooper in the US military, voiced his feelings of abandonment. “It's like the United States doesn't actually understand what I did for this country,” he lamented, criticizing Trump's move to suspend flights and applications for Afghan refugees, which he believes threatens the safety of his family still in Afghanistan.

The executive order has raised concerns among former interpreters and those who worked closely with the American military, who feel their lives are at risk due to the Taliban's resurgence. Abdullah's sister, who is still in Afghanistan, expressed despair over her uncertain fate as she becomes a potential target because of her brother's past service. The Taliban government claims it offers an amnesty for those who assisted international forces; however, a recent UN report suggests that many who fall into this category are still facing violence and persecution.

Similarly, Babak, a former legal adviser to the Afghan Air Force, is hiding from Taliban officials and cares for his family while they face threats. “We risked our lives because of those missions," he stated, urging Trump to reconsider his order. Ahmad, who managed to evacuate but left his family behind, feels immense guilt as his relatives remain in danger due to their associations with US forces.

Mina, a pregnant refugee awaiting resettlement, fears for her unborn child’s safety as her situation grows increasingly dire. She has previously faced harassment for advocating women's rights and now grapples with the threat of being deported back to Afghanistan. As cross-border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan rise, the future for these refugees only becomes more uncertain.

The head of the non-profit #AfghanEvac estimates that around 10,000 to 15,000 Afghans are caught in a limbo amidst their resettlement applications. As hope dwindles, the voices of Afghan refugees seeking safety in the US underscore an ongoing crisis that begs attention amid changing political landscapes.