Afghans Who Aided U.S. Forces Left in Limbo After Trump Halts Refugee Programs

Introduction: A Broken Promise to Afghan Allies

The abrupt halt of refugee resettlement programs by former President Donald Trump has left thousands of Afghans who aided U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan in a desperate state of uncertainty. These individuals, who risked their lives to assist American military efforts as translators, drivers, and advisers, were promised a safe haven in the United States. However, Trump’s executive orders have shattered their hopes, leaving them vulnerable to Taliban retaliation and stranded in dangerous situations. Many are now hiding in Afghanistan or stuck in third countries like Albania, Pakistan, and Qatar, awaiting a resolution that seems increasingly unlikely. Their stories highlight a growing humanitarian crisis and a betrayal of trust that has left a stain on America’s reputation as a beacon of safety for its allies.

The Human Cost: Afghans in Hiding and Stranded Abroad

Roshangar, an Afghan who worked as a legal adviser to the Afghan Air Force, is among those whose lives have been upended by Trump’s decision. For over a decade, he helped U.S. officials review and approve airstrike packages targeting Taliban and Islamic State fighters. His collaboration with American forces has made him a prime target for Taliban reprisals, forcing him, his wife, and their son to live in hiding. Roshangar, who requested anonymity due to fear of Taliban retaliation, expressed his shock and despair at the abrupt halt of the resettlement process. “I was shocked. I am still in shock because I have already waited four years for this process, to get out of this hell and to get to a safe place and live in peace,” he said in an interview.

Similarly, Hashmatullah Alam, a 40-year-old father of six, had his hopes of a new life in America dashed when Trump’s order went into effect just a day before his scheduled flight to the U.S. Alam, who had been cleared for travel and was processed in Albania, risks Taliban retaliation for his role in assisting U.S. forces. He, like many others, had sacrificed everything for the promise of safety and a brighter future for his family. “We appeal to President Donald Trump to reverse his decision,” Alam pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. “He should know that we are waiting here for a bright future in America.”

The Resettlement Process: A Long and Arduous Journey

The resettlement process for Afghans who worked alongside U.S. forces is no simple task. It involves a lengthy and rigorous vetting process, including background checks, medical screenings, and interviews with U.S. officials. Applicants must also receive a referral from someone they worked with during the war, such as a U.S. military officer or contractor. Once cleared, they are typically sent to a third country for further processing before being granted permission to travel to the United States.

For Roshangar, the process had been ongoing for four years. He had already completed his interview with U.S. officials in August 2023 and was set to undergo his medical exam in January 2024 when Trump’s order brought everything to a halt. His case was referred to the refugee program by Lt. Col. Steve Loertscher, a U.S. military officer who worked with Roshangar during the war. Loertscher described Roshangar as a casualty of the Biden administration’s failure to prioritize high-risk applicants like him, who are in grave danger of Taliban retribution. Despite this, Loertscher remains hopeful that Roshangar’s case could be approved on a “case-by-case” basis, as allowed by Trump’s executive order.

The Fallout: A National Security and Moral Crisis

The halting of refugee resettlement programs has sparked widespread outrage among veterans, lawmakers, and advocacy groups who argue that abandoning Afghan allies is not only a moral failure but also a national security risk. Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition supporting Afghan resettlement efforts, condemned Trump’s actions as “an absolute stain on our national honor.” He emphasized that the issue is solvable and that failing to act poses a threat to U.S. national security.

Veterans like Loertscher, who have dedicated years to helping their Afghan partners escape danger, are particularly dismayed by the lack of progress. Many had hoped for special consideration for Afghans who risked everything to support the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. These veterans argue that the U.S. has a moral obligation to honor its promises to Afghan allies, many of whom are now at the mercy of the Taliban.

The Forgotten Promise: Afghan Allies Stranded and Unsafe

The suspension of resettlement programs has left at least 15,000 Afghans who were already cleared for travel in limbo, according to estimates from AfghanEvac. Many, like Roshangar and Alam, are trapped in dangerous situations, either in hiding in Afghanistan or stranded in third countries with dwindling resources. Khalid, another Afghan who worked alongside the U.S. Air Force, was teaching children of other Afghan families in Pakistan when Trump’s order halted his hopes of reaching America. “My students cried after hearing that Trump has suspended the refugee program for us,” he said, his voice heavy with despair.

These Afghans, who once believed in the promise of America, are now forced to confront the harsh reality of abandonment. Their stories are a testament to the human cost of political decisions made far from the battlefield. As the world watches, the United States faces a critical moment to uphold its values of justice, compassion, and loyalty to those who have sacrificed so much in its name.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for America’s Forgotten Allies

The plight of Afghan allies stranded by Trump’s executive orders is a defining moral and national security challenge for the United States. These individuals, who dedicated their lives to helping America’s mission in Afghanistan, are now paying the price for a broken promise. The U.S. government must act decisively to restore resettlement programs and expedite the processing of Afghan allies who are at risk of Taliban retaliation.

Advocates, veterans, and lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to prioritize the cases of high-risk Afghans and ensure that the U.S. honors its commitment to those who sacrificed everything for the sake of freedom. As Roshangar, Alam, and Khalid wait anxiously for a resolution, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring human cost of war and the urgent need for compassion and action. The United States must not turn its back on those who stood by its side in times of conflict. The time to act is now.