Deportation Threats Intensify for Afghan Migrants in US and Pakistan
The Trump administration has ended temporary deportation protections for Afghans in the US, impacting 14,600 individuals. Concurrently, Pakistan is enforcing deportations of Afghan refugees, citing security concerns. Human Rights advocates express alarm over the treatment of Afghan migrants in this context, where many face forced repatriation amid deteriorating conditions under Taliban rule.
The situation for Afghan migrants in the United States and Pakistan has become increasingly dire as both governments threaten deportation. The Trump administration has announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 eligible Afghans by May. This decision aligns with President Trump’s commitment to a strict immigration policy and his efforts to reclaim authority over deportations.
In the meantime, Pakistan is progressing with its plan to deport Afghan refugees, having already expelled about 800,000 undocumented individuals since early 2023. The Pakistani government has instructed Afghans to leave the country voluntarily or face arrest and subsequent deportation. This crackdown has been met with considerable public support within Pakistan, despite the risks facing returnees.
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which previously safeguarded Afghan nationals, provides security during extraordinary conditions such as conflict or natural disasters. Homeland Security officials have deemed the circumstances in Afghanistan insufficient to justify the TPS, retracting the protections that many Afghans relied on.
Concurrent with these developments, Human Rights Watch has criticized the methods used by authorities to encourage Afghans to leave, detailing the harsh realities awaiting them upon return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Community sentiments reflect significant pressure on Afghan migrants to repatriate, often out of fear of arrest.
Analysts highlight that the deportation campaign is not merely a humanitarian action but is politically motivated, reflecting tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban following their resurgence in power. Political leaders believe this action serves to exert pressure on the Taliban government, calling for a more humane approach to the situation.
In conclusion, Afghan migrants in both the United States and Pakistan are facing heightened threats of deportation as protective measures are being withdrawn. The movement towards deportation aligns with broader political agendas, highlighting the precarious situation for these individuals amidst ongoing conflicts and the prospects of returning to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. As pressures mount, the call for equitable treatment of affected migrants remains critical.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
