US Travel Ban Leaves Afghan Allies Stranded
The fate of these Afghan allies hangs in the balance, as they wait for the US to fulfill its promise of protection and safety, with many facing danger and uncertainty in their home country, despite being vetted and approved for travel to the US.
Thousands of Afghans who aided the US military are being blocked from entering the US, despite being approved for travel, due to a suspended program and funding freeze, leaving over 10,000 families separated and 2,800 unaccompanied refugee minors in danger.
The CARE program, established to facilitate the immigration of Afghans to the US, had successfully assisted nearly 200,000 Afghans since 2021. However, the program was suspended by the Trump administration, citing concerns about the US's ability to absorb migrants. A federal judge ordered the administration to stop the ban, but refugee processing has not resumed, leaving many in limbo.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to freeze funding for the programs has further exacerbated the issue, with over 40,000 vetted and approved Afghans unable to leave Afghanistan without paying for their own travel. This has sparked concern among advocates, including Rep. Michael McCaul, who argue that the thorough vetting process should be sufficient to allow these allies to enter the US.
The suspension of the CARE program and the travel ban have severe consequences for the Afghans who risked their lives to help the US military. As the situation remains unresolved, many are left to wonder when they will be able to reunite with their families and start a new life in the US.
