U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has sparked widespread criticism and amplified fears for thousands of Afghan refugees. The decision, effective January 27, 2025, halts refugee arrivals for at least 90 days, leaving nearly 1,660 Afghans — including unaccompanied minors and families of U.S. military personnel — stranded. Advocacy groups warn that the suspension could leave vulnerable populations in grave danger, particularly those fleeing Taliban retaliation.
Shawn VanDiver, head of the #AfghanEvac coalition, expressed concern, stating, “As soon as the executive order takes effect, all refugees will be removed from flight manifests.” The suspension affects individuals previously approved for resettlement, including Afghan allies who worked alongside U.S. forces during the 20-year war. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, over 180,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S., but thousands remain in limbo, stuck in third countries like Pakistan, Qatar, and Germany.
The White House defended the policy, citing national security concerns and the strain of increased migration on local resources. Trump’s order emphasized that refugee admissions must “align with the interests of the United States.” However, critics argue that such policies overlook the humanitarian crisis, leaving those who risked their lives for the U.S. to face uncertain futures.
Lives on the Line
The impact of this decision is deeply personal for many. An active-duty soldier with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division shared his anguish over his sister’s plight in Kabul. “I can’t even do my job properly because this is mentally impacting me,” he said, fearing his sister could be kidnapped or forced into marriage before she and her husband secure resettlement.
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Similarly, Fazel Roufi, an Afghan American and former U.S. Army soldier, expressed despair. His wife, currently in Doha awaiting refugee visa processing, faces an uncertain future. “If my wife goes back, they [the Taliban] will just execute her and her family,” Roufi said. Having served as a translator during the chaotic 2021 Kabul airport evacuation, he understands the stakes all too well.
The Taliban’s promises of general amnesty have been contradicted by reports from the United Nations. Between July and September 2024, at least five former Afghan soldiers were killed, while others faced torture or arbitrary detention. Women remain particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule, with restrictions on education, employment, and public presence. Mahnoosh Monir, a former teacher who fled to Pakistan, voiced her fears: “Being sent back to Afghanistan or waiting indefinitely in Pakistan are nightmares for all of us.”
A Polarized Debate
Trump’s crackdown on immigration formed a cornerstone of his re-election campaign, but the suspension of USRAP has ignited fierce debate. Critics, including human rights organizations, argue that the policy endangers lives and reneges on America’s moral obligations. “This policy risks leaving countless refugees in grave danger,” said a spokesperson for a leading advocacy group.
Advocates for Afghan allies worry that this decision could set a dangerous precedent, threatening programs like Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) designed for those who supported U.S. missions. Kim Staffieri, executive director of the Association of Wartime Allies, described the situation as eerily reminiscent of the panic during the August 2021 evacuation.
The order has also disrupted family reunification efforts. An Afghan American National Guard member, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, shared his heartbreak. His parents, siblings, and their families had been scheduled to arrive in Dallas within weeks. “I cannot express in words how I feel,” he said. “I cannot eat. I cannot sleep.”
Uncertain Futures
The executive order calls for a three-month review of refugee programs, with periodic assessments to ensure alignment with U.S. interests. While the administration insists the suspension is temporary, Afghan refugees fear time is running out. For those still in Afghanistan, the risk of retaliation is ever-present. For those stranded in third countries, hope diminishes with each passing day.
As the world watches, the fate of Afghan refugees hangs in the balance, caught between political rhetoric and a desperate fight for survival. The suspension of USRAP is more than a policy decision — it is a life-altering blow for thousands seeking safety and a chance to rebuild.