Afghan Refugees in Qatar Await Uncertain Futures Amidst Policy Shifts

Afghan refugees in Qatar face uncertainty after the U.S. suspended its refugee program following Trump’s inauguration. Approximately 1,200 Afghans are at a U.S. military base, awaiting resettlement with limited clarity. Advocates stress the importance of fulfilling promises made to those who helped during the war. The indefinite suspension of the refugee program adds to their distress, as families worry for loved ones still in Afghanistan.

As Afghan refugees find themselves caught in a precarious situation in Qatar, rising concerns have been voiced about their uncertain futures. Negina Khalili, who fled her home in Afghanistan and sought refuge at a U.S. base in Qatar, worries for her family’s safety back home. They landed there in January, expecting to move to the U.S., only to be met with abrupt policy shifts when the Trump administration took office. Thirteen days post-arrival, the administration halted the refugee program that could have paved their way to America.

Khalili is among around 1,200 Afghans now residing in a camp in Qatar, found themselves in limbo with hopes dashed. Shawn VanDiver, head of the advocacy group AfghanEvac, emphasized the responsibility of the U.S. to provide resolutions for those they brought to the base. He stated that advocates should ensure promises made to these refugees are fulfilled.

In 2021, as the Taliban reclaimed power, many Afghans aided in the U.S. war effort faced immediate threats to their lives. The chaos of the airlift saw a rush of desperate citizens to Kabul’s airport, but now, news coverage of their plight has waned. Under the Biden administration, efforts continued to relocate many of those Afghans, yet the current predicament remains fraught.

Typically, Afghans have two pathways to emigrate to America; many qualified through the special immigrant visa for those directly employed by the U.S. government. Others, lacking that direct association, were eligible through refugee programs. However, with the refugees still stationed in Qatar, their pathway forward appears clouded. They are currently living in a former military base controlled by the State Department, unable to leave without official escorts.

Trump’s reinstatement in office saw a freeze on the refugee program, stalling many Afghans’ aspirations. In contrast, the special visa pathway remains open but requires applicants to bear their own travel costs or secure aid. As the refugee population grows anxious, this situation mirrors scenarios in countries like Pakistan, where Afghan refugees are also being pushed to return home.

One of those families, Saliha, a lawyer dedicated to defending women’s rights, ended up at the camp with her family after they went into hiding following the Taliban takeover. Now residing in the camp, Saliha noted that while the conditions are livable, the indefinite wait for definitive answers weighs heavily on their spirits. Classes and recreational areas for children provide some solace, yet the looming uncertainty about their fates casts a long shadow.

Saliha expressed how confusing and troubling it is that many others find their resettlement applications denied. Still, she tries to maintain a positive outlook, hopeful her past actions in protecting women will yield some measure of compassion. “We worked hard and sacrificed a lot. We did nothing wrong,” she stated, emphasizing their contributions.

Currently, the indefinite suspension of the refugee program leaves many Afghans feeling abandoned. There remains no clarity if the Trump administration will revive the program, as they are awaiting a report assessing the matter with no timeline for when decisions will be made made public. Advocates have pointed out the rigorous u process applicants must undergo to ensure safety before relocating to the U.S.

With some facing a court ruling indicating a backlog of roughly 12,000 refugees waiting to enter, the delay adds to the stress of uncertainty. The State Department says they are “actively considering the future” of the resettlement program for Afghan allies. Meanwhile, little comfort alleviates the anxiety for those stranded in Qatar like Khalili, whose family still communicates from Afghanistan. Every new day brings fresh worries.

“They are facing a lot of depression and they don’t know what will happen,” Khalili shared, revealing her own daily vigilance over their wellbeing. Her dilemmas highlight the poignancy of a situation that entwines hope with fear, far removed from the clarity they once sought for a new life in America.

The plight of Afghan refugees stranded in Qatar illustrates the enduring challenges surrounding resettlement amidst political changes. With the U.S. refugee program currently suspended, thousands, including those who aided the American mission, face uncertainty. Supporters urge for the continuation of the program as many wait longingly for a path forward to a safe future. As the situation develops, advocates remain hopeful, but the anxiety among families stays palpable.

Original Source: apnews.com