ISLAMABAD — Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement to the United States fear they will face serious security threats if forcibly returned to Afghanistan, as Pakistan intensifies pressure to expel undocumented migrants.
Many of these refugees—including former translators, embassy staff, journalists, human rights activists, and advisors who worked with U.S. forces—warn that their lives would be in grave danger under the Taliban if they are sent back.
“I came to Pakistan because the U.S. promised to resettle me and thousands of others,” said Fahima, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan. “But now, with Trump in office, all those promises have been halted, and we are stuck in a terrible situation.”
The uncertainty surrounding Afghan resettlement has drawn concern from U.S. lawmakers. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee urged the Biden administration to honor its commitments to Afghan allies.
The letter emphasized that 5,752 Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants and visa holders remain stranded in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, and Albania, many of whom are family members of former U.S. military personnel.
“President Trump’s executive order has suspended resettlement efforts for these individuals and their families,” the letter stated. “Many Afghan allies who were set to travel to the U.S. have had their flights canceled and are now left in limbo with no clear path forward.”
Meanwhile, Shawn VanDiver, head of Afghan Evac, an organization assisting Afghans seeking relocation to the U.S., expressed skepticism over the State Department’s denial of a travel ban list affecting Afghan refugees.
“Many Afghans interpreted State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce’s remarks as reassurance that they are not affected by the new travel restrictions,” VanDiver said. “But we urge caution in accepting this as absolute truth. We know there is a list of 41 to 43 countries whose citizens are barred from entering the U.S., even if they hold valid visas or green cards.”
Amid the uncertainty, Human Rights Watch has warned that Pakistan is escalating efforts to forcibly return Afghan refugees, despite the risks they face.
“Returning Afghans will be exposed to Taliban persecution and dire economic conditions,” the report stated.
The group called on Pakistani authorities to immediately halt forced returns and allow Afghans facing deportation to seek protection. It also urged the Taliban to prevent reprisals against returnees and lift its restrictive policies against women and girls.
These concerns come as Pakistan’s government has set a deadline of less than nine days for Afghan refugees to leave the country. Those who fail to do so face the risk of detention and deportation, adding further pressure to a growing humanitarian crisis.
