US Plans to Deport Over 150 Afghan Immigrants

News Desk

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is set to deport more than 150 Afghan immigrants back to Afghanistan via Pakistan, a move that advocacy groups warn could jeopardize their safety.

Reports indicate that the first deportation flight could take off as early as Monday, with the deportees primarily comprising relatives of Afghans who aided US military efforts prior to the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.

According to The New York Times, three unnamed US officials confirmed the plans, highlighting that the deportations are part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by President Trump, which includes travel bans affecting several countries, including Afghanistan.

The administration has sought to revoke deportation protections for many Afghans who were granted special immigrant visas due to their service.

This development raises significant concerns regarding the safety of those being deported, as many have been living under the threat of Taliban reprisals.

Advocacy groups like AfghanEvac emphasize that these individuals face grave risks upon return, given their associations with US forces.

The US government has stated that it cannot directly deport individuals to Afghanistan, thus relying on Pakistan to facilitate their return.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how advocacy groups will respond and whether further legal challenges will arise to halt the deportations.

The implications of this policy could reverberate through US-Afghan relations and impact the lives of many vulnerable individuals caught in the crossfire of international politics.