Afghans in Pakistan Face Uncertainty Amid U.S. Refugee Program Suspension

Thousands of Afghans who fled to Pakistan after the Taliban’s takeover are now facing renewed uncertainty following the U.S. administration’s decision to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for at least three months. This suspension affects over 1,600 Afghans who had already been cleared for resettlement in the United States.

Many of these individuals, including former U.S. allies, human rights defenders, and professionals, had been awaiting resettlement in Pakistan, having undergone extensive vetting processes. The sudden suspension has left them in precarious situations, unable to return to Afghanistan due to security concerns and facing challenges in Pakistan, where they lack formal work or study opportunities.

Advocacy groups have expressed deep concern over the suspension. The Afghan USRAP Refugees group emphasized the deadly risks posed by remaining in or returning to Taliban-controlled areas and has appealed to the U.S. administration to reconsider the suspension.