14,000 Afghan Nationals at Risk
The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 14,000 Afghan nationals living in the United States. On April 11, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision, which becomes effective May 20. Many of those affected fled the Taliban regime after the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal. Several had worked alongside U.S. forces or international organizations, and many belong to persecuted religious minorities.
DHS Cites Stabilized Conditions in Afghanistan
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the TPS program for Afghans is no longer necessary. She cited Afghanistan’s “improved security situation and its stabilizing economy” as reasons for the termination. DHS has instructed Afghans under TPS to prepare for departure. The decision comes amid ongoing global repatriation of Afghan refugees, with more than 1 million having relocated to nearly 100 countries since 2021.
Critics Warn of Human Rights Violations
Religious freedom experts and human rights advocates strongly oppose the termination of TPS. A recent U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hearing concluded that persecution in Afghanistan remains severe. Panelists emphasized increased risks for Christians, Shi’a Hazara, Sikhs, and Ahmadiyya Muslims under Taliban rule. The commission expressed “deep concern” about forced repatriation, particularly for women and religious minorities.
Repatriation Threatens Vulnerable Communities
Stephen Schneck, USCIRF chair, warned that returning Afghans to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could be life-threatening. He noted the risk of retaliation, repression, and possible extrajudicial punishment. The group emphasized that Pakistan’s mass deportation of Afghan refugees is already creating instability. USCIRF and advocacy organizations argue that religious minorities, especially women and girls, face the gravest dangers.
Human Rights Groups Urge Legal Protections
Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, stressed the need to bolster asylum protections worldwide. He said international legal frameworks must be enforced to shield those fleeing faith-based persecution. In a statement, 21Wilberforce condemned the U.S. decision, saying it violates domestic and international norms. The organization called on the U.S. to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom and due process for asylum seekers.
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Afghans who fled Taliban face repatriation
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