WASHINGTON — A U.S. District Court rescinded its May 5 Compliance Framework Order in the Pacito v. Trump case, rolling back protections that had offered hope to thousands of Afghan refugees awaiting evacuation.
The decision, issued Thursday, halts a pathway to safety for more than 12,000 individuals—many of whom had cleared vetting and were days or weeks away from boarding flights.
Only 160 individuals with imminent travel plans by January 20, 2025, will retain protection under the ruling. For the rest, the court’s requirement for case-by-case reviews—overseen by a yet-to-be-appointed special master—throws the entire process into indefinite limbo, leaving lives at risk and families separated.
AfghanEvac, a U.S.-based advocacy coalition aiding Afghan allies, condemned the decision as a “devastating blow” and “a betrayal of America’s promises.”
“These refugees served alongside American troops. They protected U.S. diplomats, intelligence officials, and humanitarian missions. Many are family members of active-duty U.S. service members. They are not strangers—they are allies,” the group said in a statement.
AfghanEvac urged Congress to intervene immediately through oversight and legislation to ensure continued protection, and called on the Trump administration to use every available tool to expedite reviews and uphold America’s commitment.
“This is not just about policy. It’s about our honor, our credibility, and our values,” the statement read.
The group vowed to continue its advocacy: “AfghanEvac will keep fighting—for every ally, every family, and every promise made.”
