Context:

As US forces withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban seized power in 2021, many Afghans like Ahmad, a former military employee, found themselves in hiding, unable to work, access medical care, or send their children to school. The Trump administration's recent travel ban has further complicated the situation, blocking Afghan passport holders from entering the US, citing national security concerns and the lack of a competent central authority in Afghanistan. Despite promises of amnesty by the Taliban, reports indicate ongoing threats and killings of former government officials and military personnel. The ban has left tens of thousands of Afghans in limbo, many of whom had already begun the resettlement process and are now stranded in countries like Pakistan. This policy shift undermines the US's promises to its Afghan allies, putting them at significant risk and forcing many to live in precarious conditions while they await potential resettlement opportunities.

Dive Deeper:

• Ahmad, a former Afghan military employee, has been living in fear of the Taliban since they took over Afghanistan in 2021, relying on donations from friends abroad as he cannot work or provide education for his son.

• The Trump administration's new travel ban blocks Afghan passport holders from entering the US, justifying it by labeling the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group and citing deficiencies in Afghanistan's civil documentation and vetting processes.

• Despite the Taliban's announcement of a general amnesty, credible reports indicate targeted killings of former officials and military personnel, contradicting claims of safety and security for all Afghans.

• The travel ban affects tens of thousands of Afghans who had hoped for resettlement in the US, many of whom fled to Pakistan to await decisions on their applications amidst Pakistan's recent expulsion of Afghan refugees.

• Numerous Afghans, including those who have passed security checks, are trapped in a bureaucratic limbo, with their resettlement processes halted by the travel ban, leading to despair and uncertainty about their future.

• Afghans like Zarifa Ghafari, who are currently abroad, face immense pressure and vulnerability due to the travel ban, complicating their ability to maintain residency and continue their studies or work.

• The travel ban is criticized for breaking the US's promise to its Afghan allies, who risked their lives supporting democracy and are now left vulnerable despite being vetted and assured of eventual resettlement.