US Plans to Deport Over 150 Afghan Immigrants Amid Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is set to deport more than 150 Afghan immigrants back to Afghanistan, with plans for the first flight potentially departing as soon as Monday, according to reports from US media. Advocacy groups warn that this move could jeopardize the safety of those being sent back, many of whom are relatives of Afghans who assisted US forces during the two-decade military engagement in the country.

Last year, President Trump implemented travel bans affecting several countries, including Afghanistan, as part of a broader crackdown on immigration. This included efforts to terminate deportation protections for Afghans who had been granted special immigrant visas following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. The New York Times reported that the deportations will be facilitated through Pakistan, as direct deportations to Afghanistan are not feasible.

The implications of this decision are significant, as many of those targeted for deportation face potential persecution from the Taliban due to their previous associations with US military operations. Advocacy groups like AfghanEvac are raising alarms about the risks these individuals will encounter upon their return to Afghanistan, where the security situation remains precarious.

As the situation develops, further flights for deportation are expected, and advocacy groups are likely to intensify their efforts to halt these actions. The international community is watching closely, as this move could strain US relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly regarding human rights and refugee protections.