Outrage is growing after Donald Trump signed an executive order that has left thousands of refugees stranded, with their flights to the U.S. canceled. The decision could have dire consequences for those who risked their lives supporting U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.
This week, Trump signed an order suspending the Refugee Admission Program, leaving refugees who had already booked flights to the U.S. in limbo. Trump explained that the country is facing “record levels of migration,” and this move was necessary to manage the burden of incoming migrants.
The order states that the U.S. “lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants” without straining resources, which could impact safety, security, and the ability to properly integrate refugees. As a result, the refugee process was immediately paused, throwing thousands of Afghan refugees, many of whom have already been vetted, into uncertainty. This includes people still in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Qatar.
The situation escalated when the U.S. State Department sent a memo to its partners saying that flights would be suspended immediately—five days earlier than expected. This left many U.S. allies confused and concerned about the future of Afghan refugees.
Lawmakers have expressed concern, fearing that this decision might jeopardize the safety of Afghan allies who risked their lives supporting U.S. troops. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) promised to investigate but was unaware of the situation until it was brought to his attention by DailyMail.com. Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) emphasized the U.S.’s responsibility to keep its promise to protect Afghan allies who have been left vulnerable.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) also voiced his distress after hearing that 1,600 Afghans had their flights canceled. He described it as deeply upsetting, especially since these individuals were allies who risked everything for the cause of U.S. freedom and democracy.
The memo from the State Department confirmed that all previously scheduled refugee travel to the U.S. had been canceled, with no new bookings allowed. It also stated that refugee processing and pre-departure activities were suspended, leaving many with no clear path forward.
The order affects a wide range of refugees, not just Afghans. Flight cancellations have impacted individuals from countries like Ethiopia, Congo, and Egypt, as well as many others. This includes at least 40,000 Afghan refugees, many of whom had already been vetted and were ready to travel. The consequences are especially devastating for those who have been waiting for years, including families of U.S. service members who are still separated from their Afghan allies.
Organizations like AfghanEvac have warned that this pause is a critical blow to those who stood with U.S. forces. These are individuals who served as interpreters, prosecutors, judges, human rights advocates, and more. Some of them have been living in limbo since the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
One of the most heart-wrenching parts of this crisis is the families who have been waiting for years to reunite. Some parents had to hand over their babies and children to safety three years ago and have been separated ever since. The pain and uncertainty are unbearable for these families.
Before the Trump administration took action, advocates had urged the government to keep U.S. Afghan partners in mind as immigration policies were developed. But with this order, it seems their concerns have been ignored.
This executive order doesn’t only affect Afghan refugees—it has global consequences. Thousands of refugees around the world, who have already gone through lengthy vetting processes, are now facing an uncertain future. It’s a crisis that requires urgent attention.
