Deportation Threats Facing Afghan Migrants in the US and Pakistan

Afghan migrants in the US and Pakistan face imminent deportation threats as the Trump administration ends temporary deportation protections, affecting 14,600 individuals. Pakistan is intensifying its crackdown on Afghan refugees, urging departures or facing arrest. Public support for deportation has grown amid political dynamics and tensions with the Taliban.

Afghan nationals residing in the United States and Pakistan are currently confronted with the imminent threat of deportation back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The Trump administration has rescinded temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans, a decision announced by a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. This action aligns with President Trump’s commitment to an aggressive immigration crackdown, which targets migrants who entered illegally or possess temporary legal status.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program provides refuge for individuals in the US from nations experiencing extraordinary crises, such as armed conflict. It allows eligible individuals to remain temporarily, typically lasting six to 18 months, with the possibility of renewals. However, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that conditions in Afghanistan no longer warranted TPS, leading to the revocation of protections for many Afghans.

In Pakistan, the situation remains grim for Afghan migrants, as the government has initiated a crackdown demanding their departure. The authority has threatened arrest and deportation for those who ignore these demands, with an estimated intention to deport around 800,000 Afghans. Public sentiment in Pakistan appears to favor these deportations, attributing rising violence in the region to Afghan nationals and pressuring Islamabad to act.

Human Rights Watch decries the tactics employed by Pakistan to compel Afghans to leave, citing the risks of persecution and adverse conditions awaiting them in Afghanistan. The deportation measures have led thousands of Afghans to flee to the border, with many community leaders noting the daily exodus as panic escalates regarding potential arrests.

Political dynamics underpin these deportation efforts, with deteriorating relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban’s rise to power. Some experts suggest that the nature and timing of the deportations are politically motivated, belonging to Pakistan’s strategy of exerting pressure on the Taliban regime. Advocates argue that such actions must be conducted humanely and progressively, highlighting the complexity of the issue at hand.

In conclusion, the deportation threats faced by Afghan nationals in both the United States and Pakistan underscore a critical crisis amid worsening geopolitical tensions. The revocation of temporary protections in the US and aggressive deportation measures in Pakistan leave many Afghans vulnerable to dangerous conditions under Taliban rule. This necessitates urgent dialogue and humane responses to provide safety and stability for those affected by such policies.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au