U.S. and Pakistan’s Immigration Policies Threaten Afghan Migrants

The U.S. is terminating temporary protections for Afghans, risking their return to Taliban rule. Pakistan is deporting Afghan nationals, pressuring them to leave or face arrest. Thousands have begun leaving, amidst public support for these crackdowns and political tensions since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan.

The deportation landscape for Afghan migrants in the U.S. and Pakistan is changing significantly as both countries tighten immigration policies. The U.S. government is ending temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans currently protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), as part of a broader effort to curb immigration initiated by the Trump administration. This action exposes these individuals to potential return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where they may face serious repercussions.

In recent developments, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that Afghan migrants, including those who entered under the Biden-era CBP One app, are receiving notices revoking their temporary parole status. This revocation grants them only seven days to leave the country. Tricia McLaughlin from DHS indicated that the department is exercising its discretion in these matters, adding to the fears among Afghan nationals facing deportation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has initiated a crackdown on Afghan refugees, compelling many to leave or face arrest. Islamabad aims to deport around 800,000 Afghans following the cancellation of their residence permits. Since early April, more than 24,665 Afghans have reportedly departed Pakistan, nearly half through deportation. Community leaders observe a marked increase in departures as Afghan nationals seek to evade potential detainment.

The Pakistani government’s actions, driven by public sentiment against the Afghan refugee population, label these deportations a necessity against alleged threats to national security. Political dynamics following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan have soured relations with Pakistan, leading to increased deportation pressures that many analysts argue are politically motivated rather than humanitarian.

The recent shifts in U.S. and Pakistan immigration policy have created an uncertain future for Afghan migrants, many of whom risk returning to precarious conditions under Taliban rule. As temporary protections diminish in the U.S. and deportations ramp up in Pakistan, the plight of these individuals continues to escalate, highlighting the need for international attention and potential diplomatic interventions to ensure their safety and rights.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au