Many Afghan refugees who aided the U.S. during the war express feelings of betrayal and despair after President Trump’s recent immigration orders halted resettlement efforts, despite their longstanding contributions to American military and humanitarian efforts.
Afghan Refugees Express Betrayal Amid Trump’s Immigration Order
Afghan Refugees Express Betrayal Amid Trump’s Immigration Order
Afghan refugees who assisted U.S. forces feel abandoned and hopeless following Trump's executive order blocking their move to the U.S., jeopardizing their safety and family reunification.
Many Afghan refugees who supported U.S. forces during the protracted conflict in Afghanistan now find themselves grappling with feelings of betrayal and hopelessness following a recent executive order by President Donald Trump blocking their entry into the United States. The order effectively suspends all flights and applications for Afghan refugees, leaving many families stranded and vulnerable.
Abdullah, a paratrooper in the U.S. military who fled Afghanistan during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in August 2021, shared his dismay, stating, "It's like the United States doesn't understand what I did for this country. It feels like a betrayal." He worries for his sister and brother-in-law, whose resettlement applications have been halted, thanks to Trump's directive, despite the work they did alongside U.S. military personnel.
The executive order stipulates that migration rates pose a threat to resource availability for American citizens, effectively sidelining the humanitarian crisis faced by Afghan nationals. Abdullah lamented the toll this takes on his family, revealing that his sister is overwhelmed with despair, fearing they might never reunite.
Suhail Shaheen, a representative of the Taliban regime, claims that an amnesty is in place for those who aided international forces, asserting that Afghan refugees are merely economic migrants. However, a recent UN report has cast doubts on these assurances, revealing documented cases of violence against former Afghan military and government officials.
Another refugee, Babak, a former legal advisor for the Afghan Air Force who is currently in hiding with his family in Afghanistan, echoes similar sentiments. He holds Trump accountable for abandoning those who risked their lives alongside U.S. troops. His family’s safety is in jeopardy, and he pleads for governmental support, highlighting the mental and emotional toll of living under constant fear.
Ahmad managed to leave Afghanistan but remains worried for his family, who remain targets of the Taliban due to their affiliations. He expressed intense guilt and anxiety regarding their safety, as well as frustration with the bureaucratic delays in the resettlement process.
Meanwhile, Mina, a pregnant refugee awaiting a flight to safety, voiced her desperate fears about both her well-being and the potential return of the Afghan government’s repressive tactics. She has faced significant threats after protesting for women’s rights and voiced a conviction that her life could be lost if forced to return.
As thousands remain in precarious situations, advocacy groups estimate that between 10,000 to 15,000 individuals are still awaiting processing of their resettlement applications. The impact of Trump’s order has left many Afghans feeling trapped, as they contend with life-threatening pressure in their home country and uncertainty in their potential host nation. Many are left wondering if the United States—once seen as a sanctuary—will continue to honor its commitments as they navigate an uncertain future marred by the abrupt halt of hope.
