An executive order from former President Donald Trump is currently hindering the travel plans of nearly 1,600 Afghans, many of whom are connected to U.S. military personnel.
This decree, issued on his first day in office, has left numerous families in Afghanistan trapped under Taliban control, struggling to find a way out.
Impact on U.S. Military Families
Military advocates are raising alarms about the effects of the suspension of U.S. refugee programs, which has particularly impacted the families of American soldiers.
Shawn VanDiver, who founded the #AfghanEvac initiative, pointed out that many veterans and active-duty members had hoped for exemptions to cover Afghan nationals closely associated with U.S. operations over the last 20 years.
The situation was looking a bit brighter under the Biden Administration, which allowed U.S. service members’ family members easier access to relocation pathways.
This was something they couldn’t have pursued through the State Department’s Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) program, which has operated since 2009 and offered nearly 50,500 visas to Afghans who had helped the U.S. government or military.
Broader Implications for Afghan Allies
However, the current program suspension extends beyond just the families of American personnel.
It’s also putting Afghan allies, journalists, humanitarian workers, lawyers, and human rights activists at risk—those who collaborated with Americans and are now left without SIV eligibility.
The uncertainty and fear that many are experiencing about their future is palpable.
Many are questioning the State Department’s lack of a coherent implementation strategy in light of these unexpected executive actions.
The order, which declared the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program as detrimental to American interests, took effect on January 27.
Ongoing Challenges and Appeals
An active-duty soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division voiced his frustration at how the policy failed to consider the Afghan partners who worked alongside U.S. forces.
He shared that he is in discussions with his commanding officers in hopes of securing an exemption for his sister, who currently remains in Afghanistan.
Just when she and her husband seemed ready to flee—having undergone thorough vetting and medical checks—the new executive order dashed their plans.
This scenario illustrates the dire predicament faced by countless Afghans closely tied to U.S. efforts, forced to navigate life in an increasingly perilous environment under the Taliban.
Initially, VanDiver’s organization managed to evacuate many Afghans under an exception provided by the Biden Administration, but now he is calling for a reevaluation of Trump’s sweeping suspension.
Moreover, according to the executive order, refugee applications will be paused for 90 days, allowing the Department of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to conduct a review.
As this soldier continues his struggle to ensure his sister’s safety and the possibility of moving to the U.S., he emphasizes that his main concern is her well-being, even in the face of the mounting challenges.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com