The Biden-era refugee program designed to resettle thousands of Afghans stranded in Pakistan has been abruptly halted, signalling a significant shift in US policy under President Donald Trump. This development has posed a challenge to Pak-US relations and cast uncertainty on the future of thousands of Afghan refugees who fled their homeland after the Taliban’s return to power.
The Background of the Refugee Program
After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, approximately 25,000 Afghans were granted temporary refuge in Pakistan. Many of these individuals had served the US military or its contractors during America’s 20-year presence in Afghanistan, placing them at significant risk of retaliation from the Taliban. At Washington’s request, Pakistan agreed to host these refugees temporarily, understanding that the resettlement process to the United States would be completed within a few months. However, over three years later, these cases remain unresolved, leaving both the refugees and their host nation in a precarious situation.
The Biden administration had pledged to address this issue through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). These pathways were intended to ensure the swift relocation of at-risk Afghans to the United States. However, these plans have been upended with President Trump’s assumption of office and his immediate executive order suspending US refugee programs.
Impact of Trump Executive Order
President Trump immigration policies, central to his 2024 election campaign, have emphasized strict limitations on refugee admissions. His executive order has halted flights for nearly 1,660 Afghans who the US government had already cleared for resettlement. This group includes unaccompanied minors awaiting reunification with their families and individuals facing severe threats from the Taliban due to their association with the former US-backed Afghan government. The decision has left these vulnerable individuals in a state of limbo, with no clarity on when or if their resettlement will proceed.
According to Shawn Vandiver, head of the Afghan Evacuation coalition of US veterans and advocacy groups, the suspension of the program has also disrupted the plans of thousands of other Afghans who had been approved for resettlement but had not yet been assigned flights. This sudden policy reversal has raised concerns about the United States’ commitment to its allies and the long-term implications for those who risked their lives to support US operations in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Position and Concerns
Pakistan, which initially agreed to host these refugees as a humanitarian gesture and at the request of the US, is now facing mounting challenges. Official sources have expressed concern over the prolonged stay of these refugees, particularly given the security risks associated with individuals who were trained by or worked for the US military and intelligence agencies. In 2023, when Pakistan launched a crackdown on illegal Afghan immigrants, US officials requested Islamabad to spare those eligible for resettlement in the United States. Pakistan complied but urged Washington to expedite the process.
A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the Trump administration’s abrupt suspension of the program as a surprise. “We knew this refugee program could come under scrutiny once President Trump took charge, but how the new administration acted was unexpected,” the official remarked. Pakistan’s Foreign Office had convened meetings to address the issue, emphasizing the need for the US to honour its commitments.
The presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has not only strained resources but also raised security concerns. Pakistan has made it clear that it cannot indefinitely host individuals who were promised resettlement in the US. The situation has created friction between the two nations, with Pakistani officials increasingly sceptical about the US’s willingness to fulfil its obligations.
Humanitarian and Political Implications
The suspension of the refugee program has far-reaching humanitarian implications. Many of the stranded Afghans face significant threats from the Taliban due to their previous affiliations with the US and its allies. Unaccompanied minors separated from their families are among the most vulnerable, with their futures now hanging in the balance. The delay in resettlement has also placed additional pressure on Pakistan, which is already grappling with economic challenges and a complex security environment.
From a political perspective, the issue has the potential to strain Pak-US relations further. Pakistan has long been a key player in regional stability and counterterrorism efforts, often working in collaboration with the United States. However, the perceived lack of reciprocity and support from Washington on the Afghan refugee issue may weaken this partnership. The Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration and its apparent disregard for prior commitments could undermine trust between the two nations.
Global Criticism and Advocacy Efforts
The Trump administration’s decision has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocacy groups. Many have highlighted the moral and ethical obligations of the United States to those who risked their lives in service of US interests. Advocacy groups such as the Afghan Evacuation coalition have called for a reassessment of the policy, urging the administration to prioritize the safety and well-being of these refugees.
Internationally, the move has been viewed as a step back from America’s commitment to humanitarian principles. Critics argue that the decision not only jeopardizes the lives of vulnerable individuals but also damages the US’s reputation as a global leader in refugee resettlement. The lack of communication and coordination with partner nations, including Pakistan, has further exacerbated the situation.
The Way Forward
Resolving the Afghan refugee crisis requires a coordinated and compassionate approach. The United States must work closely with Pakistan and international organizations to address the immediate needs of the stranded refugees and ensure their safe resettlement. Reinstating refugee programs and streamlining the resettlement process could alleviate the burden on Pakistan and restore confidence in US commitments.
For Pakistan, the issue underscores the need for a clear policy on Afghan refugees, balancing humanitarian considerations with national security concerns. Engaging in constructive dialogue with the US and advocating for timely action will be essential in addressing the challenges posed by this crisis.
In conclusion, the suspension of the Biden-era refugee program has created a complex and pressing challenge for both the United States and Pakistan. The fate of thousands of Afghan refugees remains uncertain, highlighting the need for urgent action and international cooperation. As the situation unfolds, the decisions made by both nations will have profound implications for regional stability, humanitarian outcomes, and the future of Pak-US relations.
