Afghan Refugees in Limbo Amid Crackdown and US Visa Suspension
As Pakistan intensifies its crackdown on undocumented refugees ahead of the March 31 deadline, Afghan families awaiting resettlement in the US face growing uncertainty and hardship.
Key Points:
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US Resettlement Stalled: Afghan refugees eligible for Priority 1 (P1) and Priority 2 (P2) visas—having worked with US forces—were set to leave but have been stranded due to the suspension of the resettlement programme under the Trump administration.
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Crackdown Impact: Many refugees have faced detention and harassment, forcing them to seek shelter in safer locations.
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Visa Uncertainty: Afghan nationals claim the visa extension period has been reduced from six months to just 30 days, with costly and arbitrary approval processes.
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Threat of Deportation: Returning to Afghanistan is not an option for many, as they fear reprisals from the Taliban.
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Official Response: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated that a clarification from the US is awaited before making any final decision on P1-P2 applicants.
With their futures hanging in the balance, Afghan refugees in Pakistan urge authorities to suspend the crackdown on those awaiting US resettlement. They also appeal for visa extensions to avoid further hardship, as deportation could mean grave risks to their lives.
