In brief
An executive order by President Trump halting refugee admissions could jeopardize the safety of many Afghans who collaborated with U.S. forces.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” which suspends the admission of refugees into the U.S. This decision faces criticism from advocacy groups who warn that it places many Afghans at significant risk, especially those who assisted American operations during the lengthy war in Afghanistan.Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a coalition dedicated to the resettlement of Afghan allies, stated that this order represents “another broken promise” from the United States, abandoning thousands of wartime companions who risked their lives alongside American service members. He highlighted the implications for Afghans currently in hiding from the Taliban, as well as for their families connected to ongoing U.S. military personnel.The suspension, effective the following Monday, does not offer a timeline for its conclusion, stating it would persist "until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States.” The move contrasts sharply with historical U.S. values of humanitarianism, particularly following the Taliban's resurgence after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021.During this period, the Biden administration initiated Operation Allies Welcome, resulting in the entry of approximately 76,000 Afghan evacuees for humanitarian relief. This recent executive order, however, demonstrates a shift towards more restrictive policies that jeopardize vulnerable populations already facing dire circumstances in Afghanistan.
