Although over 40,000 Afghan refugees have been approved for visas, President Donald Trump’s pause on the refugee resettlement program has suspended flights and applications.
This poses a huge risk for refugees who may face retaliation from the Taliban. As such, advocates and veterans are hoping the government will make an exception for Afghan refugees with special immigration visas, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
Afghans with SIVs assisted the United States during the War in Afghanistan, which eventually ended with American troops withdrawing in August 2021. Former President Joe Biden’s controversial decision led to widespread panic among Afghans who attempted to escape the Taliban thereafter.
Thousands of refugees have settled in the United States since then, per NBC News. Even three years after the war, Afghans are still applying for visas.
But with flights suspended, some refugees have been left in intermediate countries despite already receiving approval to live in the United States.
Trump’s recent string of policies restricting migrants come from securing borders and protecting resources for Americans, but advocates say that studies have proven refugees do not put a strain on government assistance.
It is unclear when or whether Trump will reinstate the resettlement program.
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