Trump’s Refugee Freeze Leaves 40,000 Afghans in Limbo, Facing Taliban Retaliation
Trump’s refugee freeze leaves former U.S. allies in Afghanistan stranded, blocking aid and exposing them to Taliban threats.
Watan-A Face the Nation report exposed the humanitarian and political consequences of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze the refugee resettlement program, leaving more than 40,000 Afghans in limbo—including former allies of the U.S. military who now face the threat of Taliban retaliation.
Afghan Allies at Risk
The report highlighted that many of these Afghans worked with U.S. forces, making them potential targets for retribution. Among them is Afghan officer Tomim Zuhairi, who was separated from his wife and infant child during the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021. After three years of struggle, he was finally able to reunite with his family this past January.
Trump’s Freeze on Refugee Resettlement
The Trump administration’s recent decision to freeze refugee admissions also halted financial aid for Afghans who had already been pre-approved for relocation, intensifying their desperation and vulnerability.
The report noted deep divisions in the U.S. Congress over the issue. Republican Representative Mike McCaul stated that the matter “strikes at the heart of American values”, arguing that Afghan allies who fought alongside U.S. forces deserve protection. However, the Trump administration defended the freeze, claiming it was necessary to prevent terrorists from entering the United States.
Strict Security Vetting for Afghan Refugees
The report concluded by emphasizing that Afghan refugees undergo extensive security screenings lasting between 18 to 24 months, making them one of the most heavily vetted groups compared to other migrants seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border.
